Abstract:
Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/576,971 filed Oct. 9, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    One or more embodiments of the invention relate generally to infrared cameras and, more particularly, to microbolometer contact systems and methods, such as for microbolometer focal plane arrays. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A microbolometer is an example of a type of infrared detector that may be used within an infrared imaging device (e.g., an infrared camera). For example, the microbolometer is typically fabricated on a monolithic silicon substrate to form an infrared (image) detector array, with each microbolometer of the infrared detector array functioning as a pixel to produce a two-dimensional image. The change in resistance of each microbolometer is translated into a time-multiplexed electrical signal by circuitry known as the read out integrated circuit (ROIC). The combination of the ROIC and the infrared detector array (e.g., microbolometer array) is commonly known as a focal plane array (FPA) or infrared FPA (IRFPA). Additional details regarding FPAs and microbolometers may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,999, 6,028,309, 6,812,465, and 7,034,301, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0004]    Each microbolometer in the array is generally formed with two separate contacts, which may or may not be shared with adjacent microbolometers in the array. One contact is used to provide a reference voltage for the microbolometer while the other contact provides a signal path from the microbolometer to the ROTC. A drawback of a conventional contact is that it is too large and/or does not scale proportionally as semiconductor processing technologies transition to smaller dimensions. Consequently, as microbolometer dimensions are reduced, the conventional contact may consume a greater percentage of the area designated for the microbolometer, which reduces the area available for the desired resistive portion of the microbolometer and impacts microbolometer performance. As a result, there is a need for improved techniques for implementing contacts, such as for microbolometer-based focal plane arrays. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Systems and methods are disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments, which are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, contacts are disclosed, such as for infrared detectors within a focal plane array, that may be more area efficient as compared to conventional contacts. For one or more embodiments, the contact systems and methods disclosed herein may provide certain advantages over conventional contact approaches, especially as semiconductor processing technologies transition to smaller dimensions. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer; an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts, wherein each contact includes: a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer; an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts, wherein each contact includes: a metal stud formed on the first metal layer; a second metal layer formed on the metal stud; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another embodiment, a method of forming a contact on a substrate for an infrared detector array includes applying a polyimide coating on the substrate; applying a passivation layer on the polyimide coating; applying a photoresist pattern on the passivation layer; etching to expose a first metal layer on the substrate; depositing a second metal layer on the first metal layer; applying a photoresist pattern on the second metal layer; depositing a third metal layer on the second metal layer to at least partially fill an inner portion of the contact; applying a first passivation layer on the third metal layer and a portion of the second metal layer; and etching to release and provide the contact. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment, a method of forming a contact on a substrate for an infrared detector array includes applying a polyimide coating on the substrate; applying a photoresist pattern on the polyimide coating; etching the polyimide coating to expose a first metal layer on the substrate; forming a metal stud on the first metal layer; planarizing a surface of the polyimide coating and the metal stud; applying a passivation layer on the polyimide coating and the metal stud; applying a photoresist pattern on the passivation layer; etching to expose the metal stud; depositing a second metal layer on the metal stud; depositing a third metal layer on the second metal layer; applying a first passivation layer on the third metal layer and a portion of the second metal layer; and etching to release and provide the contact. 
         [0010]    The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this Summary by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows a physical layout diagram of a microbolometer array in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a top view and a cross-sectional side view of a contact, such as for a contact within the microbolometer array of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A through 3R  illustrate a processing overview for manufacturing a contact, such as for the contact of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show physical layout diagrams of microbolometer arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a top view and a cross-sectional side view of a contact, such as for a contact within the microbolometer array of  FIG. 1 ,  4 A or  4 B, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6A through 6Q  illustrate a processing overview for manufacturing a contact, such as for the contact of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A through 7P  illustrate a processing overview for manufacturing a contact, such as for the contact of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows a block diagram illustrating an infrared camera in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram illustrating another implementation example for an infrared camera in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Embodiments of the invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a physical layout diagram of a microbolometer array  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Microbolometer array  100  includes microbolometers  102  and  104 , which may be viewed as being arranged as one column of two rows (e.g., where the terms rows and columns are interchangeable, i.e., alternatively viewed as being arranged as one row of two columns). However, it should be understood that microbolometer array  100  is an example of an array (or a portion of an array) having contacts in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         [0022]    Microbolometers  102  and  104  each include a resistive material  106 , which may be formed of a high temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) material (e.g., vanadium oxide (VO x ) or amorphous silicon). Resistive material  106  is suspended on a bridge  108 , with resistive material  106  coupled to its contacts  114  via legs  112 . Legs  112  attach to resistive material  106  through a resistive material contact  110  (labeled VO x  contact, e.g., a leg metal to resistive metal contact). 
         [0023]    In general, microbolometers  102  and  104  may represent conventional microbolometers that are constructed in a conventional manner with conventional materials. However, contacts  114  (which are separately referenced as contacts  114 ( 1 ) through  114 ( 3 )) represent novel contacts as disclosed herein in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         [0024]    For example,  FIG. 2  shows a top view  202  and a cross-sectional side view  204  of a contact  200 , which may represent an example implementation for contact  114  (e.g., contact  114 ( 1 ), contact  114 ( 2 ), or contact  114 ( 3 )) within the microbolometer array of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Contact  200  may be viewed as forming a basket-shaped contact that is formed on a substrate  206  (e.g., of the ROIC) to contact a metal layer  218  (labeled Metal  5 ) of substrate  206  (e.g., a silicon substrate). Substrate  206  may have an overglass layer  208  formed thereon. 
         [0025]    Contact  200  includes a leg metal layer  212  and a basket fill layer  214 . Leg metal layer  212  may be made, for example, of titanium, tungsten, copper, or other known metals, while basket fill layer  214  may be made, for example, of aluminum. Contact  200  may further include a layer  216  (L 2 ) on basket fill layer  214 , with layer  216  made, for example, of silicon dioxide. Contact  200  may also further include a partial layer  210  (L 1 ) disposed near a top portion of contact  200 , but generally for an embodiment not disposed down to a base portion of contact  200  (e.g., at or near metal layer  218 ). Partial layer  210  may be made, for example, of silicon nitride. Layer  216  (L 2 ) and partial layer  210  (L 1 ) may function as passivation layers. 
         [0026]    Contact  200  in accordance with one or more embodiments may provide certain advantages over conventional forms of contacts. For example, contact  200  does not include a liner layer (e.g., made of nickel-chromium) disposed between metal layer  218  and leg metal layer  212  to support contact  200  as would be required for some conventional approaches. As a further example, contact  200  does not require partial layer  210  (L 1 ) to be disposed down to the base portion to metal layer  218 , such as between the liner layer and leg metal layer  212  as would be required for some conventional approaches. Consequently, contact  200  may be more area efficient as semiconductor processing technologies transition to smaller dimensions and may be more easily aligned (e.g., self aligned) with metal layer  218  to form a suitable contact, such as for example for legs  112  ( FIG. 1 ) of a corresponding microbolometer. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 3A through 3R  illustrate a processing overview (cross-sectional side views) for manufacturing a contact, such as contact  200  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Substrate  206  with overglass  208  is coated with a photoresist  301 , which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3A ), and metal layer  218  is deposited followed by lift-off and removal of photoresist  301  ( FIG. 3B ). 
         [0028]    A polyimide coating  302  is applied ( FIG. 3C ). Photoresist  301  may optionally be applied, which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3D ), to allow a reticulation (RET) process to optionally be performed ( FIG. 3E ). Photoresist  301  may again be optionally applied, which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3F ), to allow a reticulation liner (LNR) process to optionally be performed ( FIG. 3G ).  FIGS. 3D to 3G  are optional process operations to allow metal layer  218  to be exposed and a metal liner to be provided as is done in some conventional processes. However, in accordance with an embodiment, these steps are optional and not required, which may provide some manufacturing advantages, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0029]    Partial layer  210  (L 1 ,  FIG. 2 ) is formed by applying a silicon nitride coating ( FIG. 3H ), followed by photoresist  301 , which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3I ), and a via process is performed (through layer  1  (L 1 ) that forms partial layer  210 ) by etching and removal of photoresist  301  ( FIG. 3J ). For example, the etching process (e.g., reactive ion etching) may be performed using an isotropic and/or an anisotropic etch process, which may provide a narrower via (hole) above metal layer  218 . 
         [0030]    Photoresist  301  is optionally applied to areas outside of the contact area, which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3K ), leg metal layer  212  is deposited, lift-off is performed (e.g., no leg metal is lifted off over the contact structure), and photoresist  301  is removed ( FIG. 3L ). Photoresist  301  is again applied, which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3M ), basket fill layer  214  is deposited, lift-off is performed, and photoresist  301  is removed ( FIG. 3N ). 
         [0031]    Layer  216  (L 2 ,  FIG. 2 ) is formed by applying a silicon dioxide coating ( FIG. 3O ), followed by photoresist  301 , which is exposed and developed using a mask ( FIG. 3P ). A bridge cut leg process is performed by etching (e.g., reactive ion etching) and ion milling and photoresist  301  is removed ( FIG. 3Q ), Polyimide coating  302  is then removed to provide contact  200  as a released contact structure. As shown as an example in  FIG. 3R , contact  200  may provide a contact width at a top portion of approximately four micrometers, which may be significantly less than conventional contact structures (e.g., six micrometers or more). 
         [0032]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show physical layout diagrams of microbolometer arrays  400  and  450 , respectively, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Microbolometer arrays  400  and  450  each illustrate a portion of an array of microbolometers (e.g., an array of any desired size) and may be viewed as being similar to microbolometer array  100  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0033]    Specifically, microbolometer array  400  includes a number of microbolometers with shared contacts (e.g., contacts  114 ), as shown in  FIG. 4A , while microbolometer array  450  includes a number of microbolometers, with each microbolometer having two contacts (e.g., contacts  114 ) that are not shared with other microbolometers, as shown in  FIG. 4B . As noted similarly for microbolometer array  100 , microbolometer arrays  400  and  450  may represent conventional microbolometers that are constructed in a conventional manner with conventional materials. However, contacts  114  represent novel contacts as disclosed herein in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         [0034]    For example for microbolometer arrays  100 ,  400 , and  450 , contacts  114  may be implemented as disclosed in reference to contact  200  ( FIG. 2 ) and may be manufactured as set forth in reference to  FIGS. 3A through 3R , in accordance with one or more embodiments. Alternatively, contacts  114  within microbolometer arrays  100 ,  400 , and  450  may be implemented as a stud contact (e.g., post/stud contact) as disclosed herein in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         [0035]    For example,  FIG. 5  shows a top view  502  and a cross-sectional side view  504  of a contact  500 , which may represent an example implementation for contact  114  within the microbolometer array of  FIG. 1 ,  4 A, or  4 B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Contact  500  may be viewed as forming a stud-shaped contact (rather than a basket-shaped contact as disclosed for contact  200 ) that is formed on substrate  206  (e.g., of the ROIC) to contact metal layer  218  (labeled Metal  5 ) of substrate  206  (e.g., a silicon substrate that may have overglass layer  208  formed thereon). 
         [0036]    As disclosed similarly for contact  200  ( FIG. 2 ), contact  500  includes leg metal layer  212  and basket fill layer  214 . Contact  500  may further include layer  216  (L 2 ) on basket fill layer  214  and partial layer  210  (L 1 ) disposed near a top portion of contact  200 , but generally for an embodiment not disposed down along leg metal layer  212 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Contact  500  further includes a stud  506 , which is disposed between metal layer  218  and leg metal layer  212 . Stud  506  may be made of a metal, such as for example titanium, tungsten, copper, or other known metals. 
         [0037]    Contact  500  in accordance with one or more embodiments may provide certain advantages over conventional forms of contacts. For example, contact  500  does not include a liner layer disposed between metal layer  218  and leg metal layer  212  to support contact  500  as would be required for some conventional approaches. Rather, contact  500  utilizes stud  506 , which allows a very small contact structure relative to some conventional approaches. As a further example, contact  500  does not require partial layer  210  (L 1 ) to be disposed down along leg metal layer  212 , such as between the liner layer and leg metal layer  212  as would be required for some conventional approaches. Consequently, contact  500  may be more area efficient as semiconductor processing technologies transition to smaller dimensions and may be more easily aligned (e.g., self aligned) with metal layer  218  to form a suitable contact, such as for example for legs  112  ( FIG. 1 ,  4 A, or  4 B) of a corresponding microbolometer. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6A through 6I  illustrate a processing overview (cross-sectional side views) for manufacturing a contact, such as contact  500  of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 6A , substrate  206 , with metal layer  218 , overglass  208 , and polyimide coating  302 , is coated with photoresist  301  (e.g., a masking layer that has been exposed and developed to prepare to form stud  506 ). An etching process is performed for polyimide coating  302  (FIG. GB), photoresist  301  is removed, and a metal deposition process is performed to form stud  506  ( FIG. 6C ). 
         [0039]    A surface planarizing process is performed and partial layer  210  (L 1 ) is deposited ( FIG. 6D ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). Photoresist  301  is applied (e.g., exposed and developed to form a masking layer) and an etching process is performed to form a contact opening ( FIG. 6E ). 
         [0040]    Photoresist  301  is removed and a metal deposition process is performed to form leg metal layer  212  ( FIG. 6F ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). Photoresist  301  is applied (e.g., exposed and developed to form a masking layer) and a metal deposition process is performed to form basket fill layer  214  ( FIG. 6G ). Photoresist  301  is removed and layer  216  (L 2 ) is deposited ( FIG. 6H ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer (e.g., top portion) of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). The bridge portion layers are separated from the contact portion layers (e.g., released by a pattern and etch process) to provide contact  500  as a released contact structure ( FIG. 6I ). As an example, contact  500  may provide a contact width at a top portion of approximately three micrometers, which may be significantly less than conventional contact structures (e.g., six micrometers or more). 
         [0041]    The processing overview as set forth in  FIGS. 6   a  through  6 I may be varied in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example in accordance with an embodiment, the process may include an etch-stop formed over stud  506 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 6J through 6Q . Specifically as an example, after stud  506  is formed ( FIG. 6C ), a surface planarizing process is performed ( FIG. 6J ) and an etch-stop  706  (e.g., a basket etch-stop) is patterned and deposited ( FIG. 6K ). Partial layer  210  (L 1 ) is deposited ( FIG. 6L ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). Photoresist  301  is applied (e.g., exposed and developed to form a masking layer) and an etching process is performed to form a contact opening ( FIG. 6M ). 
         [0042]    Photoresist  301  is removed and a metal deposition process is performed to form leg metal layer  212  ( FIG. 6N ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). Photoresist  301  is applied (e.g., exposed and developed to form a masking layer) and a metal deposition process is performed to form basket fill layer  214  ( FIG. 6O ). Photoresist  301  is removed and layer  216  (L 2 ) is deposited ( FIG. 6P ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer (e.g., top portion) of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). The bridge portion layers are separated from the contact portion layers (e.g., released by a pattern and etch process) to provide contact  500  as a released contact structure ( FIG. 6Q ). 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7A through 7I  illustrate an alternative processing overview for manufacturing a contact, such as contact  500  of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In general, stud  506  of  FIG. 6I  is formed as disclosed by metal deposition, but may alternatively be formed by electroplating as disclosed in reference to  FIGS. 7A through 7I . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , substrate  206 , with metal layer  218 , overglass  208 , and polyimide coating  302  (e.g., release layer  1 ), is coated with photoresist  301  (e.g., a masking layer that has been exposed and developed to prepare to form stud  506 ). An etching process is performed for polyimide coating  302  ( FIG. 7B ), photoresist  301  is removed, and a metal plating base layer  702  is deposited ( FIG. 7C ). The metal plating base layer may be made, for example, of nickel chrome. 
         [0045]    Photoresist  301  is applied and stud  506  is formed by an electroplating process ( FIG. 7D , plated stud). A lap-stop material  704  may optionally be applied over stud  506 , as shown in  FIG. 7D . Photoresist  301  is removed, metal plating base layer  702  is removed by etching, except for the portion under stud  506  ( FIG. 7E ), and polyimide coating  302  is removed ( FIG. 7F ). 
         [0046]    Polyimide coating  302  (e.g., release layer  2  or microbolometer release layer) is applied along with lap-stop material  704 , as shown in  FIG. 7G . A surface planarization process is performed and lap-stop material  704  is removed ( FIG. 7H ). Partial layer  210  (L 1 ) is deposited ( FIG. 7I ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). The process may then proceed as discussed in reference to  FIGS. 6E to 6I  to form contact  500 , but having stud  506  plated as disclosed and as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0047]    The processing overview as set forth in  FIGS. 7   a  through  7 I may be varied in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example in accordance with an embodiment, the process may include an etch-stop formed over stud  506 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7J through 7P . Specifically as an example, after stud  506  is formed, the surface planarization process is performed, and lap-stop material  704  is removed ( FIG. 7H ), an etch-stop  706  (e.g., a basket etch-stop) is patterned and deposited ( FIG. 7J ). Partial layer  210  (L 1 ) is deposited ( FIG. 7K ), a portion of which may also serve as a bridge layer of the microbolometer (e.g., bridge  108  of  FIG. 1 ). The process may then proceed as shown in  FIGS. 7L through 7P  in a similar fashion as discussed in reference to  FIGS. 6E to 6I  to form contact  500 , but having stud  506  plated and having etch-stop  706  as disclosed and as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0048]    Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide contacts for an infrared detector, in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, contacts are disclosed, such as for infrared detectors within a focal plane array. As an implementation example,  FIG. 8  shows a block diagram illustrating a system  800  (e.g., an infrared camera, including any type of infrared imaging system) for capturing images and processing in accordance with one or more embodiments. System  800  comprises, in one implementation, an image capture component  802 , a processing component  804 , a control component  806 , a memory component  808 , and a display component  810 . Optionally, system  800  may include a sensing component  812 . 
         [0049]    System  800  may represent, for example, an infrared imaging device, such as an infrared camera, to capture and process images, such as video images of a scene  801 . The system  800  may represent any type of infrared camera that employs infrared detectors having contacts, which may be implemented as disclosed herein. System  800  may comprise a portable device and may be incorporated, e.g., into a vehicle (e.g., an automobile or other type of land-based vehicle, an aircraft, or a spacecraft) or a non-mobile installation requiring infrared images to be stored and/or displayed or may comprise a distributed networked system (e.g., processing component  804  distant from and controlling image capture component  802  via the network). 
         [0050]    In various embodiments, processing component  804  may comprise any type of a processor or a logic device (e.g., a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to perform processing functions). Processing component  804  may be adapted to interface and communicate with components  802 ,  806 ,  808 , and  810  to perform method and processing steps and/or operations, such as for example, controlling biasing and other functions (e.g., values for elements such as variable resistors and current sources, switch settings for biasing and timing, and other parameters) along with other conventional system processing functions as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0051]    Memory component  808  comprises, in one embodiment, one or more memory devices adapted to store data and information, including for example infrared data and information. Memory device  808  may comprise one or more various types of memory devices including volatile and non-volatile memory devices, including computer-readable medium (portable or fixed). Processing component  804  may be adapted to execute software stored in memory component  808  so as to perform method and process steps and/or operations described herein. 
         [0052]    Image capture component  802  comprises, in one embodiment, one or more infrared sensors (e.g., any type of multi-pixel infrared detector, such as a focal plane array having one or more contacts as disclosed herein) for capturing infrared image data (e.g., still image data and/or video data) representative of an image, such as scene  801 . In one implementation, the infrared sensors of image capture component  802  provide for representing (e.g., converting) the captured image data as digital data (e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter included as part of the infrared sensor or separate from the infrared sensor as part of system  800 ). In one or more embodiments, image capture component  802  may further represent or include a lens, a shutter, and/or other associated components along with the vacuum package assembly for capturing infrared image data. Image capture component  802  may further include temperature sensors (or temperature sensors may be distributed within system  800 ) to provide temperature information to processing component  804  as to operating temperature of image capture component  802 . 
         [0053]    In one aspect, the infrared image data (e.g., infrared video data) may comprise non-uniform data (e.g., real image data) of an image, such as scene  801 . Processing component  804  may be adapted to process the infrared image data (e.g., to provide processed image data), store the infrared image data in memory component  808 , and/or retrieve stored infrared image data from memory component  808 . For example, processing component  804  may be adapted to process infrared image data stored in memory component  808  to provide processed image data and information (e.g., captured and/or processed infrared image data). 
         [0054]    Control component  806  comprises, in one embodiment, a user input and/or interface device, such as a rotatable knob (e.g., potentiometer), push buttons, slide bar, keyboard, etc., that is adapted to generate a user input control signal. Processing component  804  may be adapted to sense control input signals from a user via control component  806  and respond to any sensed control input signals received therefrom. Processing component  804  may be adapted to interpret such a control input signal as a parameter value, as generally understood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, control component  806  may comprise a control unit (e.g., a wired or wireless handheld control unit) having push buttons adapted to interface with a user and receive user input control values. In one implementation, the push buttons of the control unit may be used to control various functions of the system  800 , such as autofocus, menu enable and selection, field of view, brightness, contrast, noise filtering, high pass filtering, low pass filtering, and/or various other features as understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0055]    Display component  810  comprises, in one embodiment, an image display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or various other types of generally known video displays or monitors). Processing component  804  may be adapted to display image data and information on the display component  810 . Processing component  804  may be adapted to retrieve image data and information from memory component  808  and display any retrieved image data and information on display component  810 . Display component  810  may comprise display electronics, which may be utilized by processing component  804  to display image data and information (e.g., infrared images). Display component  810  may be adapted to receive image data and information directly from image capture component  802  via the processing component  804 , or the image data and information may be transferred from memory component  808  via processing component  804 . 
         [0056]    Optional sensing component  812  comprises, in one embodiment, one or more sensors of various types, depending on the application or implementation requirements, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The sensors of optional sensing component  812  provide data and/or information to at least processing component  804 . In one aspect, processing component  804  may be adapted to communicate with sensing component  812  (e.g., by receiving sensor information from sensing component  812 ) and with image capture component  802  (e.g., by receiving data and information from image capture component  802  and providing and/or receiving command, control, and/or other information to and/or from one or more other components of system  800 ). 
         [0057]    In various implementations, sensing component  812  may provide information regarding environmental conditions, such as outside temperature, lighting conditions (e.g., day, night, dusk, and/or dawn), humidity level, specific weather conditions (e.g., sun, rain, and/or snow), distance (e.g., laser rangefinder), and/or whether a tunnel or other type of enclosure has been entered or exited. Sensing component  812  may represent conventional sensors as generally known by one skilled in the art for monitoring various conditions (e.g., environmental conditions) that may have an effect (e.g., on the image appearance) on the data provided by image capture component  802 . 
         [0058]    In some implementations, optional sensing component  812  (e.g., one or more of sensors) may comprise devices that relay information to processing component  804  via wired and/or wireless communication. For example, optional sensing component  812  may be adapted to receive information from a satellite, through a local broadcast (e.g., radio frequency (RF)) transmission, through a mobile or cellular network and/or through information beacons in an infrastructure (e.g., a transportation or highway information beacon infrastructure), or various other wired and/or wireless techniques. 
         [0059]    In various embodiments, components of system  800  may be combined and/or implemented or not, as desired or depending on the application or requirements, with system  800  representing various functional blocks of a related system. In one example, processing component  804  may be combined with memory component  808 , image capture component  802 , display component  810 , and/or optional sensing component  812 . In another example, processing component  804  may be combined with image capture component  802  with only certain functions of processing component  804  performed by circuitry (e.g., a processor, a microprocessor, a logic device, a microcontroller, etc.) within image capture component  802 . Furthermore, various components of system  800  may be remote from each other (e.g., image capture component  802  may comprise a remote sensor with processing component  804 , etc. representing a computer that may or may not be in communication with image capture component  802 ). 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram illustrating a specific implementation example for an infrared camera  900  in accordance with one or more embodiments. Infrared camera  900  may represent a specific implementation of system  800  ( FIG. 8 ), as would be understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0061]    Infrared camera  900  (e.g., a microbolometer readout integrated circuit with bias-correction circuitry and interface system electronics) includes a readout integrated circuit (ROIC)  902 , which may include the microbolometer unit cell array having one or more contacts as disclosed herein, control circuitry, timing circuitry, bias circuitry, row and column addressing circuitry, column amplifiers, and associated electronics to provide output signals that are digitized by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter  904 . The A/D converter  904  may be located as part of or separate from ROIC  902 . 
         [0062]    The output signals from A/D converter  904  are adjusted by a non-uniformity correction circuit (NUC)  906 , which applies temperature dependent compensation as would be understood by one skilled in the art. After processing by NUC  906 , the output signals are stored in a frame memory  908 . The data in frame memory  908  is then available to image display electronics  910  and a data processor  914 , which may also have a data processor memory  912 . A timing generator  916  provides system timing. 
         [0063]    Data processor  914  generates bias-correction data words, which are loaded into a correction coefficient memory  918 . A data register load circuit  920  provides the interface to load the correction data into ROIC  902 . In this fashion, variable circuitry such as variable resistors, digital-to-analog converters, biasing circuitry, which control voltage levels, biasing, frame timing, circuit element values, etc., are controlled by data processor  914  so that the output signals from ROIC  902  are uniform over a wide temperature range. 
         [0064]    It should be understood that various functional blocks of infrared camera  900  may be combined and various functional blocks may also not be necessary, depending upon a specific application and specific requirements. For example, data processor  914  may perform various functions of NUC  906 , while various memory blocks, such as correction coefficient memory  918  and frame memory  908 , may be combined as desired. 
         [0065]    Where applicable, various embodiments of the invention may be implemented using hardware, software, or various combinations of hardware and software. Where applicable, various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the scope and functionality of the invention. Where applicable, various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein may be separated into subcomponents having software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the scope and functionality of the invention. Where applicable, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components and vice-versa. 
         [0066]    Software, in accordance with the invention, such as program code and/or data, may be stored on one or more computer readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein may be implemented using one or more general purpose or specific purpose computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Where applicable, ordering of various steps described herein may be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps to provide features described herein. 
         [0067]    While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.