Design of infrared wavelength-selective microbolometers using planar multimode detectors

Multimode microbolometers for wavelength-selective infrared detection have been designed using a genetic algorithm and an electromagnetic model of the planar antenna. Wavelength selectivity can be varied by changing lithographically drawn parameters, with bandwidth narrower than Fabry-Perot microbolometers. The design of a three-colour system covering the 7-14 (mu)m band is presented.