Uncooled Microbolometers for Low-Power Battlefield Sensors

Uncooled microbolometers have emerged as transformative infrared (IR) sensing technologies in modern military applications, offering thermal imaging capabilities without cryogenic cooling. This evolution marks a significant leap in reducing size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements—critical metrics for battlefield and defence-based systems. Operating primarily in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum, microbolometers detect radiation-induced resistance changes in thermally sensitive materials. Their compactness and operational simplicity make them ideal for deployment in portable systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), smart munitions, and remote sentry devices. Traditional cooled IR sensors, while highly sensitive, demand extensive cooling systems that limit their applicability in mobile, low-power settings. Uncooled microbolometers, in contrast, function effectively at ambient temperatures, providing high reliability, lower cost, and rapid deployment. Moreover, integrating advanced nanomaterials such as vanadium oxide (VOx), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and graphene has substantially improved responsivity, thermal conductivity, and pixel sensitivity. The report explores the working principles, recent advancements in design and nanomaterial integration, and diverse military applications. Detailed focus is given to the use of these sensors in smart munitions, remote sentry systems, and portable imaging devices, highlighting their strategic value in surveillance, targeting, and situational awareness. Challenges such as durability under harsh conditions, fabrication scalability, and performance under variable environmental factors are also discussed. Future directions include nanomaterial hybridisation, AI-based signal processing, and ultra-compact sensor architectures. With continued innovation, uncooled microbolometers are poised to redefine thermal imaging in asymmetric warfare and real-time battlefield intelligence.