title: Optimized microbolometers with higher sensitivity for visible and infrared imaging.
abstract: Optimal absorption method for improving the sensitivity of bolometric detection is explored. We show that, in addition to its role in conventional conducting-film detection, the application of plasmon resonance absorption offers highly promising characteristics for efficient far-field thermal detection and imaging. These characteristics include good frequency sensitivity, intrinsic spatial (angle) selectivity without focusing lenses, wide tunability over both infrared and visible light domains, high responsivity and miniaturization capabilities. In this context, we examine the well-known surface plasmon resonance (SPR) regime, but also report on a new type of plasmon resonance excitation, the cavity plasmon resonance (CPR), which offers more flexibility over wide ranges of wavelengths, bandwidths, and device dimensions. Both CPR and SPR occur in metallic films, which are characterized by high thermal diffusivity essential for fast bolometric response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Razansky
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Einziger
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tamir