Patent ID: 6420706
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
An infrared imager formed on a semiconductor substrate, comprising:a plurality of infrared sensors, each infrared sensor forming a picture element (pixel) of the infrared image, each of said infrared sensors separately comprising: a deflectable bi-material micro-cantilever, said micro-cantilever being deflectable in response to each of incident infrared radiation and a further stimulus, and having a reference position relative to the substrate when not exposed to said infrared radiation and said further stimulus; a control element integral to the semiconductor substrate responsive to a control signal for providing said further stimulus to said deflectable bi-material micro-cantilever; and an electronic circuit coupled to each of said micro-cantilever and said control element, capable of reading a position of said micro-cantilever including said reference position, and capable of determining and providing said control signal to said control element sufficient to maintain said micro-cantilever substantially at said reference position when said micro-cantilever is exposed to infrared radiation.