Prospects of Uncooled Metal Bolometers.

Methods increasing the sensitivity of uncooled metal bolometers have been analyzed. The dynamic responsivity mode that increases sensitivity and accuracy without changing the design of sensors and the measurement circuit of optical power is proposed for the operation of uncooled bolometers. Experiments studying the efficiency of the mode are carried out using a Ti50.5Ni49.5-bolometer that has better sensitivity than other identical metal bolometers. The results of the study have confirmed the theoretical estimates of a multiple increase in sensitivity using the proposed mode. In addition, the operation of the Ti50.5Ni49.5-bolometer in the two-phase high-temperature region of the alloy is shown to also contribute to a multiple increase in the sensitivity and precision of the sensor. This letter describes and tests a new method for compensating the self-heating power of uncooled bolometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]