Saturday 12 April 2025
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in developing a new type of infrared photodetector that can selectively detect thermal radiation from a specific direction, while rejecting unwanted signals from other angles. This innovative device has the potential to revolutionize various fields such as wearable technology, medical diagnostics, and space exploration.
The new photodetector, dubbed the Broadband Angular-Selective Infrared Photodetector (BASIP), is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional infrared sensors that are susceptible to background noise from all directions. By integrating microstructures with a commercial mid-infrared photodetector, the BASIP achieves a narrow acceptance angle of just 15 degrees, allowing it to detect thermal radiation only from a specific direction.
The secret to the BASIP’s success lies in its unique angular-selective non-imaging microstructure design. These microstructures are fabricated using a technique called two-photon polymerization, which allows for precise control over their shape and size. The microstructures are then coated with a thin layer of silver to enhance their reflective properties.
When thermal radiation from a specific direction hits the BASIP, it is guided through the microstructures and focused onto the underlying photodetector. This results in a strong signal that can be easily detected. Meanwhile, unwanted signals from other directions are effectively blocked by the microstructures, reducing background noise and improving the device’s signal-to-noise ratio.
The benefits of the BASIP are numerous. For wearable technology applications, it could enable more accurate and reliable temperature measurements, which is crucial for medical diagnostics and monitoring. In space exploration, the BASIP could be used to detect thermal radiation from distant objects or planets, providing valuable insights into their composition and properties.
In addition to its directional selectivity, the BASIP also exhibits polarization independence and wavelength independence, making it a versatile tool for various applications. Its compact design and high sensitivity also make it an attractive option for integration into small devices such as smartphones or smartwatches.
The development of the BASIP is a significant achievement in the field of infrared sensing technology. It has the potential to open up new possibilities for researchers and engineers, enabling them to tackle complex problems that were previously unsolvable. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge, transforming various industries and improving our daily lives.
Cite this article: “Breakthrough in Thermal Sensing: New Angular-Selective Microstructures Enable High-Sensitivity Detection of Infrared Radiation”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Here Are The Keywords: Infrared, Photodetector, Thermal Radiation, Directional Selectivity, Microstructures, Non-Imaging, Silver Coating, Two-Photon Polymerization, Wearable Technology, Space Exploration
