A 48×32 element thermoelectric infrared sensor array with a responsivity of R=2100 V/W has been developed. An array with both high responsivity and low-cost potential was fabricated using the CMOS IC process, a precisely patterned Au-black infrared absorber, and micromachining technology. A blind-spot pedestrian warning system using the array has been fitted to Nissan's ASV-2 (advanced safety vehicle). It alerts the driver to the presence of a pedestrian in the blind spot by detecting infrared radiation from human bodies. It also prevents the vehicle from moving in the direction of the pedestrian.
