Recent research led by Marija Strojnik from Optical Research in Leon, Mexico, has unveiled significant insights into the performance of infrared sensors, particularly in relation to their optical centroid efficiency (OCE) and energy on detector (EOD). This study, published in ‘Engineering Proceedings’, explores how the size of detector pixels affects sensor performance when faced with spherical aberration.
The research highlights a critical relationship between OCE and EOD, particularly when assessing two different pixel sizes: one larger than the diameter of the Airy disc and the other smaller than three diameters of the Airy disc. The findings indicate a U-shaped relationship, where OCE increases with EOD at lower levels of aberration but decreases as aberrations become more pronounced. Strojnik noted, “For electro-optical systems with significant amounts of aberrations (more than 0.5 λ), larger pixel sizes are recommended to achieve the same signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio.”
This research has important implications for the energy sector, especially in the development of infrared sensors used in various applications, including renewable energy technologies and environmental monitoring. As the industry increasingly relies on precise measurements and data collection, understanding how pixel size influences sensor efficiency can lead to improved designs and better performance in real-world conditions.
Strojnik’s work suggests that optimizing pixel size in the context of spherical aberration can enhance the effectiveness of infrared sensors, which are vital for applications such as thermal imaging and spectroscopy. The study found that when the spot size of the image approaches the pixel size, an anomalous peak in OCE occurs, indicating a potential area for further development.
This research not only provides insights into sensor design but also opens up commercial opportunities. Companies involved in the manufacturing of optical sensors can leverage these findings to innovate their products, ensuring they meet the growing demand for high-performance infrared technology. As Strojnik mentioned, “The results of this prospective study might be useful to other users for their applications,” suggesting a broad applicability of the findings across various sectors.
In conclusion, the exploration of pixel size’s impact on sensor efficiency is a step forward in optimizing infrared technologies, which are increasingly critical in the energy sector. The study’s findings may lead to enhanced sensor designs that can capture more accurate data, ultimately supporting advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability.
