Fundamentals of Infrared and Visible Detector Operation and Testing

John David Vincent, Steve Hodges, John Vampola, Mark Stegall, Greg Pierce

• Publisher: Wiley
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN:
  9781118094884
• Edition: 2
• eBook ISBN:
  9781119011873
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Presents a comprehensive introduction to the selection, operation, and testing of infrared devices, including a description of modern detector assemblies and their operation

This book discusses how to use and test infrared and visible detectors. The book provides a convenient reference for those entering the field of IR detector design, test or use, those who work in the peripheral areas, and those who teach and train others in the field.

Chapter 1 contains introductory material. Radiometry is covered in Chapter 2. The author examines Thermal detectors in Chapter 3; the "Classical" photon detectors – simple photoconductors and photovoltaics in Chapter 4; and "Modern Photon Detectors" in Chapter 5.  Chapters 6 through 8 consider respectively individual elements and small arrays of elements the "readouts" (ROICs) used with large imaging arrays; and Electronics for FPA Operation and Testing. The Test Set and The Testing Process are analyzed in Chapters 9 and 10, with emphasis on uncertainty and trouble shooting. Chapters 11 through 15 discuss related skills, such as Uncertainty, Cryogenics, Vacuum, Optics, and the use of Fourier Transforms in the detector business. Some highlights of this new edition are that it

• Discusses radiometric nomenclature and calculations, detector mechanisms, the associated electronics, how these devices are tested, and real-life effects and problems
• Examines new tools in Infrared detector operations, specifically: selection and use of ROICs, electronics for FPA operation, operation of single element and very small FPAs, microbolometers, and multi-color FPAs
• Contains five chapters with frequently sought-after information on related subjects, such as uncertainty, optics, cryogenics, vacuum, and the use of Fourier mathematics for detector analyses

Fundamentals of Infrared and Visible Detector Operation and Testing, Second Edition, provides the background and vocabulary necessary to help readers understand the selection, operation, and testing of modern infrared devices.

UNIT I

Detector Basics

1	Introduction and Overview
2	Radiometry
3	Thermal Detectors
4	Classical Photon Detectors
5	Modern Photon Detectors

Chapter 1
Introduction and Overview

1. 1.1 Electromagnetic Radiation
   1. 1.1.1 Visible and Infrared Wavelengths
   2. 1.1.2 Visible and IR Sources
   3. 1.1.3 Reflected and Emitted Energy
2. 1.2 Heat Transfer
3. 1.3 Thermal Detectors
4. 1.4 Planck's Law
5. 1.5 Waves and Photons
6. 1.6 Quantum (Photon) Detectors Versus Thermal Detectors
7. 1.7 Detectors as Transducers
8. 1.8 Detector Parameters: Definitions
   1. 1.8.1 Responsivity
   2. 1.8.2 Noise
   3. 1.8.3 Frequency Spectrum of Noise
   4. 1.8.4 Signal-to-Noise Ratio
   5. 1.8.5 Noise-Equivalent Power
   6. 1.8.6 Specific Detectivity (D^*)
   7. 1.8.7 Linearity and Saturation
   8. 1.8.8 Frequency Response
   9. 1.8.9 Spatial Considerations
   10. 1.8.10 Crosstalk
9. 1.9 Sources of Additional Information
10. References

1.1 Electromagnetic Radiation

This book deals with the detection of radiation in “the visible and the infrared (IR)”. We refer to that radiation in several ways:

• Visible and IR wavelengths, or spectral bands
• Radiation from visible and IR sources
• Reflected and thermally emitted energy.

There is some overlap and inconsistency between these terms. They are often used interchangeably, implying that the expressions are equivalent. In many cases, the fine distinctions do not matter, but it is instructive to discuss this a bit.

1.1.1 Visible and Infrared Wavelengths

IR radiation, visible light, radio waves, and X-rays are all forms of radiated electromagnetic energy, and all obey the same laws. The only fundamental difference between them is their wavelength (or frequency, which is equivalent) and how they interact with optical materials, including the atmosphere. This is shown in the chart of the electromagnetic spectrum in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 The electromagnetic spectrum.

The borderlines between the various “bands” (X-ray, visible, IR, far-IR, millimeter, radio waves, etc.) are not absolute, and we need not make any fine distinctions between them. These regions of the spectrum are segregated primarily for general discussions. The primary criteria are the sources used, the available windows, and the detectors that r...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Dedication
• Foreword
• Preface
• About the Companion Website
• Part I: Detector Basics
• Part II: Detector Assemblies
• Part III: Testing
• Part IV: Related Skills
• Appendix A: Symbols, Abbreviations, and Acronyms
• Index
• Wiley Series in Pure and Applied Optics
• End User License Agreement