Advances in infrared sensor technology and systems

The imaging technology available for medical research and diagnosis has progressed from early systems using single detector scanners to full two-dimensional arrays. The initial emphasis on visible and low light level arrays has expanded dramatically to include the long wave infrared with spectral cut-off as long as twenty-five microns, the short-wave infrared and multispectral arrays. Image enhancement features, originally controlled manually at each channel, are now integral to the sensor. Advanced signal processing, both at the output of the array and at the pixel level, enhances image contrast, automatically recognizes features and controls gain globally and in local areas. Advances in detector and packaging technology have significantly reduced sensor size and weight, opening new applications for imaging technology previously restricted to large platforms. In addition, the innovations in detector and electronics technology have had a large impact on cost reduction, making high performance imaging systems available to a wide variety of users. These significant advances in imaging technology can lead the way to a new era in affordable medical imaging systems, widely available in both the laboratory and physician´s office.