Expendable infrared sensors

摘要

Infrared sensors have advanced in performance and reduced in price to new and unsurpassed levels. Significant advancements in uncooled technology have recently enabled the notion of an expendable infrared sensor. Further performance and producibility improvements are still required such as the elimination of the thermal electric cooler and shutter, as well as high levels of signal processing integration. Additionally, the economy of scale associated with very large volumes will be realized as specific, enabling price points are achieved. Specific cost objectives and enabling technology requirements are discussed.