Sensor Arrangement

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement designed for detecting electromagnetic radiation, particularly in or near the infrared (IR) spectrum. Its core innovation is a measuring chamber filled with a fluid that selectively absorbs the target radiation. When infrared radiation enters the chamber via a special window, the absorbed energy causes the fluid to expand, which in turn deforms a flexible membrane. The degree of this deformation is measured to determine the amount of absorbed radiation. To improve accuracy, a pressure relief chamber is connected to the system, compensating for slow pressure changes due to environmental temperature variations, without interfering with rapid changes caused by radiation, allowing for precise and sensitive IR detection.

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

• Night vision devices for automotive or aerospace applications
• Fire detection and forest monitoring (for fast forest fire response)
• Industrial process monitoring and control (e.g., temperature or chemical analysis)
• Medical and veterinary diagnostics using IR imaging
• Military and civilian mine-detection systems
• Scientific research involving IR spectroscopy or radiation measurement

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High sensitivity to infrared radiation, even without cooling (uncooled sensor)
• Reduced measurement errors caused by environmental temperature changes due to innovative pressure equalization
• Enhanced thermal insulation design, improving measurement accuracy and response time
• Capable of integration in microstructured devices (MEMS), allowing miniaturization
• Ability to use various fill fluids (gas or liquid), broadening application range
• Flexible choice of construction materials supporting optimized performance (e.g., silicon, glass, polymers)
• Potential for multi-channel or array configurations for spatially-resolved IR detection
• Improved resistance to mechanical and thermal noise, enhancing signal reliability

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).