LWIR Microbolometer Use Of Micro-Bolometers In Passive Cameras Millimeter Wave/Terahertz Frequencies

This book introduces the use of micro-bolometers in-camera for convenience in securing area security.

It presents details of a specific antenna-coupled design to illustrate how they might be used (which can be made better). The camera produces images that reveal objects hidden behind and underclothing, tarps, camouflage, and other materials. It presents calculated speed and sensitivity results that are at or better than the state of the art. The antenna design and layout are aided by 3D, finite element CAD simulation. Like LWIR cameras, the terahertz camera utilizes a densely packed staring sensor array with a single design that allows for a variety of different receiving apertures and resolutions. The camera that results, whether for the LWIR or Terahertz, turns out to be simpler, cheaper, lighter (handheld), and with greater utility than others.

Present excellent performance of micro-bolometer-based LWIR cameras should be igniting interest in exploring this imaging technology further. In this design, every advantage of the LWIR technology is taken, including the manufacture. Also described in the book are various performance calculations for both indoor and outdoor imaging, plus a short program for experimentally demonstrating feasibility.