Sensor Arrangement

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This invention relates to an advanced sensor arrangement for detecting electromagnetic radiation, especially in or near the infrared (IR) range. The sensor features a measurement chamber filled with a fluid that selectively absorbs incoming IR radiation. When IR enters the chamber and is absorbed, it causes the fluid to heat and expand, deforming a flexible membrane. The degree of deformation is then measured to determine the IR intensity. To improve accuracy and reduce noise from environmental temperature changes, the system uses a specially designed pressure relief chamber connected to the measurement chamber, allowing slow pressure changes (such as those from ambient temperature drift) to be absorbed without affecting the sensor's response to rapid IR-induced changes. The design allows for use with various fluids (gases or liquids), improved thermal isolation, and enhanced sensitivity using new materials and chamber geometries.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Infrared detectors in night-vision devices for vehicles, aircraft, or security systems
• Industrial process monitoring where heat or IR emissions are tracked (e.g., furnace, reactor, or pipeline monitoring)
• Fire detection systems, especially for early wildfire identification
• Medical or veterinary diagnostic tools based on infrared spectroscopy or imaging
• Environmental monitoring of greenhouse gases or pollutants that absorb IR radiation
• Military applications such as mine detection or target acquisition in low-light scenarios

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High sensitivity and selectivity for infrared radiation.
• Reduced interference and noise from ambient temperature changes due to pressure relief design.
• Flexible use with different absorbing fluids (gas or liquid) enables adaptation to specific detection needs.
• Enhanced thermal isolation and improved measurement accuracy due to clever chamber construction and material choice.
• Potential for miniaturization and integration onto silicon or other substrates for compact sensor arrays.
• Lower manufacturing complexity and opportunity for cheaper mass production using microstructuring techniques.
• Improved reliability and stability, making the sensor suitable for demanding environments or mission-critical tasks.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting electromagnetic radiation, the wavelengths thereof being in or close to the infrared range. Said system comprises at least one measuring chamber (2) that can be filled with a fluid that selectively absorbs the radiation that is to be measured. Said measuring chamber (2) comprises an inlet for the radiation, said inlet being closed by a window (3) and one part of the measuring chamber wall is made as a flexible membrane (M) such that it deforms when the volume of the fluid contained in measurement chamber (2) changes, said change being based on the absorption of the ingoing radiation. A measuring device is associated with the membrane (M) in order to detect the deformation. Said sensor system is characterised in that one pressure relief chamber (7) that is fluidically connected to the measurement chamber (2) is embodied at least on the side of the membrane (M) opposite the measurement chamber (2).