Solid backed thermopiles, phase 3

The development of three element, solid backed thermopiles using thin film semiconductor materials for use as a 14-16 micron infrared radiation detector as part of an earth horizon sensor is described. Using 25 micron thick glass and 7.5 micron Kapton as both the absorbing and support medium, thermopiles were constructed. Using gold black as an absorber, responsivities of the same plastic devices increased with a time constant of 480 mS. The manufacture and test of all types is detailed, together with a mathematical model describing their steady state and transient thermal behavior.