Imaging Detectors for Electromagnetic Radiation
One of our specialties is high resolution detector arrays for imaging applications. Tutorials available for:
Infrared detector arrays for thermal imaging
(Tutorial "Infrared Detectors")
-
QWIP array technology
- Micro-bolometers
X-ray detector arrays for dental, medical and security applications
(Tutorial "X-Ray Detectors")
Overview
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION extends from the gamma and X-ray ranges through the visible to infrared(IR), microwaves and radio waves. Detectors for electromagnetic radiation have many applications in industry, medicine and surveillance. Developments in semiconductor technology have made it possible to manufacture imaging detector arrays, containing a large number of elements arranged in a rectangular pattern. Acreo works with imaging sensors for infrared radiation and X-ray radiation.
IR detectors
We use several designs of detectors in the IR range, of which the most important is QWIP, Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector, and microbolometers. The majority of applications for IR sensors are for measuring thermal radiation. Non-contact temperature measurement combined with imaging for surveillance cancer diagnostics and night vision are a few examples. Gas detection and analysis is another important area which is based on that certain gasses absorb energy in the IR range.
X-ray detectors
Applications for X-ray detector arrays are found in medicine, astronomy, particle physics etc. Acreo participates in an EU collaboration project, which involves developing a detector for dental X-rays imaging. The detector is connected directly to a computer, and is much more sensitive than X-ray film, which therefore permits lower X-ray dosages.