Visi-Lid Packaging for Long Wave Infrared Devices

The proliferation of image sensors and optical MEMS devices has challenged packaging engineers to come up with effective methods for packaging. While many of these devices can be packaged in non-hermetic or near hermetic type packages, many more require the controlled environment of a hermetic package.

Long wave infrared detectors, comprised of hundreds and sometimes thousands of individual micro machined sensing elements, are a prime example of an optical device that would quickly fail in the field if not hermetically packaged. The added challenge here is that not only does the device need to be hermetic, but it also has to be able to receive photonic energy from the environment. Materion Microelectronics & Services  has developed a novel way to accomplish both of these objectives.

The Materion Microelectronics & Services

SolutionLong wave infrared detectors are typically based on micro-machined poly-SiGe technology and are extremely sensitive to moisture. They sense photonic energy in the 8 to 12 micron wavelength range and are useful in many applications. These applications include firefighting cameras to see through smoke filled rooms, medical imagers to analyze circulatory ailments and of course, heat sensing in a variety of military applications.

Visi-Lid™  is the Materion Microelectronics & Services solution for hermetically sealing optical devices. In the particular case of long wave infrared, the cover consists of a metalized germanium or silicon window. The metallization on this window is suitable for making a hermetic solder seal to a metal or ceramic package. A seam seal configured window is also available, pre-soldered onto a kovar housing. To maximize the transmission of IR energy through the window, an anti-reflective coating is applied to both sides of the window, providing for transmission greater than 95% between 8 and 12um. The coatings are non-thoriated and highly durable.

A Leader in Hermetic Sealing

Materion Microelectronics & Services has been a leader in the manufacture of packaging materials for hermetic sealing for over 30 years. In addition to windows for long wave IR applications, we also manufacture windows suitable for UV, visible and near IR applications. To learn more contact Materion Microelectronics & Services .