According to a report by Mymes Consulting , a research team led by Dr. Choi Won-jun from the Optoelectronic Materials and Equipment Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a high-temperature infrared imaging sensor suitable for smartphone cameras that can be used for body temperature measurement.  This thermal imaging sensor overcomes the problems of traditional micro-bolometers and can work at 100°C without cooling components, thereby reducing costs and expanding the temperature measurement range.

The infrared detector can be applied to smart phones and self-driving cars, even if it works in a high temperature environment, there is no problem. Under normal circumstances, the maximum operating temperature requirement for components of a smart phone is 85°C, while the requirement for an autonomous vehicle is increased to 125°C.

Schematic diagram of the structure of the microbolometer developed by KIST researchers (source: KIST)

In order to eliminate cooling elements that account for more than 10% of the total cost and high power consumption, the researchers used a high-temperature-resistant vanadium oxide B-phase (VO 2 (B)) film to create a film that can detect heat generated from the VO 2 (B) film. Infrared light device and convert it into electrical signal.

In addition, the team also developed an absorber that can absorb external infrared light to the greatest extent. When combined with an infrared absorber, the sensitivity of the micropyrometer to detect the heat of an object and convert it into an electrical signal increases three times.

The research team pointed out that the newly developed microbolometer has a faster response speed, capturing 100 frames per second, while the traditional microbolometer can only capture 30-40 frames per second.

Choi commented: "Through the technology fusion research and development of the device, we have not only obtained the original technology to reduce the manufacturing cost of infrared thermal imaging sensors, but also improved the sensitivity and operating speed of the device."

"We expect that this technology will be increasingly used in thermal imaging cameras for smartphones and self-driving cars in the future."

This research was supported by the new materials research plan jointly developed by the Ministry of Science, the Information and Communication Industry and KIST, the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and the city of Ulsan.

This paper entitled Wide-temperature (up to 100℃) operation of thermostable vanadium oxide-based microbolometers with Ti/MgF2 infrared absorbing layer for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detection was published in the latest issue of "Applied Surface Science" In the magazine.

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