Bolometer, especially for use in image intensification, has a modulating switch to reduce low frequency noise, said switch being compact and vibration free

摘要

Bolometer comprises a receiving antenna (2a, 2b) that receives electromagnetic waves. The antenna is extended by a resistive load that converts the received electromagnetic energy into heat. The increase in heat is measured by a thermometer element in contact with the resistance. A switch (6) is placed between antenna and resistive load to modulate the current passing between the antenna and the load. The switching means can be provided by an electrostatic switch, a thermal switching device, electromagnetic switching device or a micro-bimetallic actuator.