Infrared imaging video bolometer

A new concept for an infrared imaging bolometer is proposed which provides full video (two-dimensional) imaging of the radiated power from the plasma. This concept preserves all the advantages (compared to conventional metal foil resistive bolometers) of the previously proposed and tested segmented mask infrared imaging bolometer (SIB). It avoids the problems associated with the copper mask of the SIB, while giving a full frame video image of the plasma radiation with improved experimental flexibility regarding the pixel size. Analysis of the noise equivalent power shows that compared to a SIB with the same pixel area, the infrared imaging video bolometer is 2-5 times more sensitive with improved spatial resolution. These benefits are gained at the expense of the mechanical support, which the mask provides for the foil in the SIB. A numerical algorithm is used to solve the two-dimensional heat diffusion equation for the foil and determine the time-dependent spatial distribution of incident power on the foil from the infrared (IR) video camera measurements of the foil temperature. Testing the algorithm using a Gaussian model of the incident power shows that it can accurately reproduce the Gaussian model to within 6%. A simple scheme to absolutely calibrate the entire foil is described and several design points are detailed pointing out the range and experimental flexibility of the diagnostic using currently available IR camera technology. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(00)02310-8].