20090321645 | Infrared Camera System With Diffractive Optical Array - An apparatus and method for imaging incoming radiation. The apparatus includes a radiation shield unit having a cavity. A detector array is positioned at least partially within the cavity and has a planar surface with at least one infrared detector affixed on the detector array. A diffractive optical array is positioned within the cavity and is in thermal communication with the radiation shield unit. The diffractive optical array is configured to diffract and direct the spectral components of the incoming radiation onto the detector array. The apparatus is in an external environment having a predetermined ambient temperature. The radiation shield unit, diffractive optical array and detector array may be temperature-controlled to a temperature that is within a few degrees of the ambient temperature. The radiation shield unit, diffractive optical array and detector array may be temperature-controlled to cryogenic temperatures. | 12-31-2009 |