Analysis of 320X240 uncooled microbolometer focal plane array ...
Analysis of 320X240 uncooled microbolometer focal plane array ...
Analysis of 320X240 uncooled microbolometer focal plane array ...
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Unlike the photon sensors, the <strong>microbolometer</strong> is a thermal sensor, and anychange in the environment that the <strong>microbolometer</strong> is in can affect the temperaturemeasurement. Therefore, the temperature inside the <strong>microbolometer</strong> packaging must bekept at a constant temperature. To accomplish this task, the thermoelectric cooler is usedto stabilize the temperature inside the FPA packaging. The operation <strong>of</strong> thermoelectriccooler is controlled by the amount and the direction <strong>of</strong> current. Positive current (puttingcurrent into TEC) will heat up one side <strong>of</strong> the thermoelectric cooler and cools the otherside <strong>of</strong> TEC, where the heat is removed from the cold side to the hot side. Negativecurrent (pulling current out <strong>of</strong> TEC) will reverse the direction <strong>of</strong> the heat flow. The rate<strong>of</strong> heat being pumped from the cold side to the hot side is proportional to the amount <strong>of</strong>current passing through the thermoelectric cooler and the number <strong>of</strong> couples [11]. In the