Angle sensing LWIR detectors using coupled nano-antenna arrays

In this paper, we present the design and simulation of a long-wave infrared (LWIR) angle sensing detector operating at 10.6 µm. The proposed detector is composed of a two-element antenna array where the antennas are strongly coupled to each other. Each antenna is loaded with a resistive microbolometer detector to detect incoming IR radiation and absorb power from the antenna. The system is designed in a manner to ensure that the power absorbed in each microbolometer is a strong function of the angle of incidence of the wave. This way, the ratio of the power absorbed in each bolometer can be used as a means to detect the angle of incidence of the IR wave without needing to perform any coherent measurements.