Patent ID: 7763855

Claim:
An infrared sensor comprising: an infrared sensor element; a substantially box-shaped, surface-mounting-compatible package having an opening, the infrared sensor element being accommodated inside the package; and an optical filter arranged to allow passage of infrared rays having a predetermined wavelength through substantially an entire surface thereof and to cover substantially the entire opening of the package, the optical filter arranged to deliver infrared rays having the predetermined wavelength to the infrared sensor element and to define a lid to seal the opening of the package; wherein the package includes supporting portions each having a supporting surface arranged to support the optical filter at a location below upper surfaces of sidewalls of the package and recessed portions that communicate with gaps between side surfaces of the optical filter supported by the supporting portions and the sidewalls of the package; the optical filter is fixed to the package by an adhesive disposed between the sidewalls of the package and the side surfaces of the optical filter while the optical filter is supported by the supporting portions; and a planar area of each of the recessed portions is greater than a planar area of the supporting surface of each of the supporting portions.