Multistage Micro Thermoelectric Coolers for Miniature Optical Image Sensing Applications
Introduction
Miniature optical packages provide a robust hermetic seal to protect small image-sensing components, including CMOS, CCD, IR, and X-ray detectors. Optical packages, like Transistor Outline (TO) Cans, are widely used for image-sensing applications. For high-end image sensing, micro thermoelectric coolers (TECs) can be integrated into optical packages called Optical Thermoelectric Assemblies (TEAs). This will provide deep cooling to temperatures well below ambient to minimize thermal noise and capture maximum light spectrum.