Method and system for enhanced radiation detection

Abstract

A radiation detection sensor includes a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements, or detectors. The mapping elements may be micro-disposed, such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map. The mapping elements of the radiation detector may be minimally connected to adjacent radiation detectors, or the mapping elements may be substantially physically isolated from each other.

1 . A radiation detection sensor comprising: 
 a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements that are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map; and    an image sensor that receives the visual thermal energy map and produces a corresponding image.    
   
   
       2 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the array of mapping elements comprises mapping elements that are minimally physically connected to adjacent mapping elements.  
   
   
       3 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the mapping elements of the radiation detector are formed by a substrate material and a thermal detection material.  
   
   
       4 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the mapping elements are defined by voids in portions of the thermal detection material.  
   
   
       5 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the voids are formed by perforations in the thermal detection material.  
   
   
       6 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the mapping elements are formed with micro-deposition techniques.  
   
   
       7 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the mapping elements of the radiation detector comprise a radiation sensitive layer and a thermal conversion material.  
   
   
       8 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the radiation sensitive layer is a thermochromic liquid crystal material.  
   
   
       9 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the thermal conversion material has high absorptivity and low emissivity.  
   
   
       10 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 7 , further comprising thermal elements that are used to control a temperature of the substrate.  
   
   
       11 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the thermal elements comprise thermoelectric coolers.  
   
   
       12 . A radiation detection sensor as defined in  claim 10 , further comprising an environmental control unit.  
   
   
       13 . A radiation detection system, comprising: 
 a focal plane array that includes a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map;    collection optics that focus radiation emitted from an object onto the focal plane array; and    imaging optics that focus an image of the focal plane array pixels onto an image sensor.    
   
   
       14 . A radiation detection system as defined in  claim 13 , further comprising an image processor configured to accept graphics output from the image sensor and provide an enhanced visual image.  
   
   
       15 . A radiation detection system as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the image processor analyzes the output of the image sensor and generates a command for a controllable radiation source.  
   
   
       16 . A radiation detection system as defined in  claim 15 , wherein the command for the controllable radiation source causes the controllable radiation source to output radiation that is directed to the focal plane array and maintains the mapping elements at a predetermined value.  
   
   
       17 . A radiation detection system as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the image sensor is a camera.  
   
   
       18 . A method of detecting radiation emitted from an object, the method comprising: 
 focusing radiation emitted from an object onto a focal plane array, wherein the focal plane array includes a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map; and    focusing an image of the array of detectors onto an imaging sensor thereby producing an image of the visual thermal energy map.    
   
   
       19 . An apparatus for detecting radiation emitted from an object; the apparatus comprising: 
 means for focusing radiation emitted from an object onto a focal plane array, wherein the focal plane array includes a radiation detector that is segmented into an array of mapping elements such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map; and    means for focusing an image of the array of detectors onto an imaging sensor thereby producing an image of the visual thermal energy map.    
   
   
       20 . A method of producing a radiation detection sensor, the method comprising: 
 providing a thermal detection material; and    segmenting the thermal detection material into an array of mapping elements that are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map.    
   
   
       21 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein segmenting comprises removal of portions of the thermal detection material.  
   
   
       22 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein the thermal detection material includes a radiation detector material and substrate.  
   
   
       23 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein segmenting comprises removing portions of the thermal detection material.  
   
   
       24 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein segmenting comprises micro-disposing thermal detection material into pixel-sized portions.  
   
   
       25 . A method as defined in  claim 24 , wherein segmenting comprises photolithography processing.  
   
   
       26 . A method as defined in  claim 25 , wherein segmenting comprises depositing radiation detector material onto a substrate.  
   
   
       27 . An apparatus for producing a radiation detection sensor, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for disposing a radiation detector material onto a substrate; and    means for segmenting the radiation detector material into an array of mapping elements that are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map.    
   
   
       28 . A method of producing a radiation detector, the method comprising segmenting a radiation detector material into an array of mapping elements such that individual mapping elements are substantially thermally isolated from each other and comprise pixels of a visual thermal energy map.