Image sensors and optical devices

What is the principle of the microbolometer used in uncooled infrared image sensors?

  1. AElectrons are emitted by the photoelectric effect
  2. BAbsorbing infrared raises its temperature, and the resulting change in resistance is detected
  3. CA magnetic field is detected using the Hall effect
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Answer: B. Absorbing infrared raises its temperature, and the resulting change in resistance is detected

A microbolometer has a thin film suspended by a thermally isolating structure; the film absorbs infrared, warms up, and the resulting change in resistance is detected. It is made with MEMS technology and needs no cooler, so it is used in thermal cameras.

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