Bi-metallic and mono-metallic antenna-coupled nanoscale thermocouples for infrared detection

Infrared detectors in the long-wave infrared range (LWIR) are of special interest since they are sensitive to blackbody radiation of objects at room temperature, with a wide range of applications. In previous work, we have reported bi-metallic antenna-coupled infrared detectors for the LWIR [1], and here we report novel mono-metallic antenna-coupled infrared detectors, as well as a comparison between the two. Such antenna-coupled thermocouples are promising candidates for various applications including energy harvesting [2], target tracking [3], and thermal imaging. These detectors operate without the need of any bias or cooling. The antenna design determines the resonant frequency, directivity, and polarization of these detectors.