Patent US4446372A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4446372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Detector cold shield
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
•
Filing: 1981-07-01
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Granted: 1984-05-01
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Expires: 2001-07-01
Abstract
Abstract A shield for limiting the radiation received by electromagnetic energy radiation detectors to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of an electromagnetic energy detection system. The shield comprises a member transparent to a predetermined spectrum of radiation. An opaque thin film is deposited on a surface of the member, the thin film having apertures defined therein, the detectors viewing the optics through the member and the apertures. The thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics, thereby improving the sensitivity of the detection system. Virtually any desired thickness for the member may be used, thus allowing very close placement of the shield to the detectors and permitting use of very high density arrays.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark N. Gurnee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:33
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331; H10F77/334; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/107
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
An electromagnetic radiation detection system comprising: optics for viewing a scene emanating electromagnetic radiation, the optics providing a field of view of the scene; an array of detectors mounted in the path of the field of view of the optics for producing electrical signals representative of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detectors; a shield comprising a first member transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, there being an opaque thin film deposited on a surface of the member, the thin film having apertures defined therein, the detectors viewing the optics through the member and the apertures, the thin film shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics to improve the sensitivity of the detector array; cooling means for cooling the array of detectors and the shield; and electro-optics coupled to the electrical output of the array for forming a display of the scene viewed by the optics; whereby virtually any desired thickness for the member may be used, thus allowing very close placement of the shield to the detectors and permitting use of very high density arrays.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
An electromagnetic radiation detection system comprising: optics for viewing a scene emanating electromagnetic radiation, the optics providing a field of view of the scene; an array of detectors mounted in the path of the field of view of the optics for producing electrical signals representative of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the detectors; a shield comprising a first member transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, there being an opaque thin film deposited on a surface of the member, the thin film having apertures defined therein, the detectors viewing the optics through the member and the apertures, the thin film shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics to improve the sensitivity of the detector array; cooling means for cooling the array of detectors and the shield; and electro-optics coupled to the electrical output of the array for forming a display of the scene viewed by the optics; whereby virtually any desired thickness for the member may be used, thus allowing very close placement of the shield to the detectors and permitting use of very high density arrays.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the member comprises first semiconductor substrate means having first and second opposing surfaces; the detectors are located in spaced relation on the first surface of the first substrate means, each detector being viewed by the optics through the second surface; and the opaque thin film is deposited on the second surface of the first substrate means; whereby a detector array of backside detectors comprises an integrated cold shield of opaque thin film.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein second substrate means is mounted to the opaque thin film so that the opaque thin film is sandwiched between the first and second substrate means, the second substrate means being transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, whereby the second substrate means provides additional strength to the detector array.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 6 or 7 wherein each substrate means comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a second member is mounted to the opaque thin film so that the opaque thin film is sandwiched between the first and second members, the second member being transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, whereby the second member provides additional strength to the shield.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 13 or 14 wherein each member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 or 20 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 24 or 25 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 28 or 29 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
129 words
A shield for limiting the radiation received by electromagnetic energy radiation detectors to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of an electromagnetic energy detection system, the shield comprising a first member transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, there being an opaque thin film deposited on a surface of the member, the thin film having apertures defined therein, the detectors viewing the optics through the member and the apertures, the thin film shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics, thereby improving the sensitivity of the detector array, whereby virtually any desired thickness for the member may be used, thus allowing very close placement of the shield to the detectors and permitting use of very high density arrays.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
129 words
A shield for limiting the radiation received by electromagnetic energy radiation detectors to the radiation provided to the detectors by the optics of an electromagnetic energy detection system, the shield comprising a first member transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, there being an opaque thin film deposited on a surface of the member, the thin film having apertures defined therein, the detectors viewing the optics through the member and the apertures, the thin film shielding the detectors from electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics, thereby improving the sensitivity of the detector array, whereby virtually any desired thickness for the member may be used, thus allowing very close placement of the shield to the detectors and permitting use of very high density arrays.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein: the member comprises first semiconductor substrate means having first and second opposing surfaces; the detectors are located in spaced relation on the first surface of the first substrate means, each detector being viewed by the optics through the second surface; and the opaque thin film is deposited on the second surface of the first substrate means; whereby a detector array of backside detectors comprises an integrated cold shield of opaque thin film.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein second substrate means is mounted to the opaque thin film so that the opaque thin film is sandwiched between the first and second substrate means, the second substrate means being transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, whereby the second substrate means provides additional strength to the detector array.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 40 or 41 wherein each substrate means comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein a second member is mounted to the opaque thin film so that the opaque thin film is sandwiched between the first and second members, the second member being transparent to a predetermined spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, whereby the second member provides additional strength to the shield.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 47 or 48 wherein each member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the thin film has a thickness in the range of approximately a few tenths of a micron to approximately a few microns.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 51 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 53 or 54 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the detectors as viewed from the optics have a particular geometrical configuration, and wherein the apertures as viewed from the optics have a substantially matching configuration.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 58 or 59 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by reflecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the thin film shields the detectors from electromagnetic radiation by absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated outside the field of view of the optics.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 62 or 63 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the member comprises a semiconductor substrate.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the detectors are infrared detectors.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-05-01 | 1987-10-31 | 1988-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-01 | 1991-10-31 | 1992-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-01 | 1995-10-31 | 1996-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |