A new analytical model for detectivity prediction of resistance bolometers

A new model of room temperature resistance bolometers is described, which includes all effects of electrothermal coupling. It is based on one main operating parameter named thermal bias and offers a simple way to find optimal operating conditions for a certain bolometer construction. The model yields reliable estimates of the achievable NEP and detectivity D* for a given bolometer design and it enables the comparison of competing technologies namely with respect to the thermistor material employed.