Abstract

An antenna-coupled infrared detector with polarization tuning over approximately 90 degrees by application of a bias voltage in the range of a few hundred millivolts. This mechanism of polarization tuning eliminates the need for bulk-optical polarization filters. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal. A preferred version of the antenna has longitudinal metal antenna arms extending outward from an infrared(IR) sensor in a spiral pattern, polarization tuning devices connected between the antenna arms, and a voltage for controlling the polarization tuning devices, wherein the polarization tuning devices enable real-time control of current distribution in the arms. The infrared(IR) sensors can be tunnel diodes, schottky diodes, photovoltaics, photoconductors, and pyroelectrics. Application areas can include earth-resource mapping, pollution monitor

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 6,037,590

Application Serial Number

09/004,132

Issue Date

3-14-2000

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

CREOL

Allowance Date

11-12-1999

Filing Date

1-7-1998

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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