We consider mid-infrared (5 to 25 micrometers), optically cooled detectors based on a microcantilever sensor of the radiation pressure. A significant enhancement of sensitivity is achieved due the combination of low effective temperature (10 K), non-absorption detection, and a high quality optical microcavity. Applications to spectrometry are examined. It is shown that an optically cooled radiation pressure sensor potentially has a sensitivity an order of magnitude better than the best conventional uncooled detectors.
@article{arxiv.0912.4218,
title = {An IR Photodetector Using an Optically Cooled Micromirror as a Light Pressure Sensor},
author = {Gennady P. Berman and Boris M. Chernobrod and Alan R. Bishop and Umar Mohideen},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0912.4218},
year = {2009}
}