Patent ID: 8215831
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. A sensor element for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range, comprising one or more heat-sensitive portions disposed on a substrate, the substrate comprising a frame and a membrane disposed above an orifice of the frame, the orifice of the frame having a shape which has an axis of symmetry or point of symmetry, and one or more influencing layers for influencing the absorption and/or reflection of the electromagnetic radiation to be detected, the one or more influencing layers having asymmetric thermal properties relative to said axis or point of symmetry, wherein the one or more heat-sensitive portions comprise hot and cold contacts both disposed on the membrane above the orifice of the frame wherein the influencing layers cause asymmetric heat conduction between the frame and the hot and cold junctions, and the hot contacts are disposed asymmetrically compared to the cold contacts with respect to said axis or point of symmetry of the orifice of the frame the asymmetric heat conduction caused by the influencing layers is balanced by said hot and cold contacts asymmetry.