A method and apparatus for micro-Golay cell infrared detector. The detector includes a microchannel plate array, sealing membrane, flexible membrane, IR absorbent medium and thermally reactive medium. The microchannel plate array has an upper surface and a lower surface and includes chamber walls and chambers. The sealing membrane is operatively coupled to the microchannel plate array and is capable of sealing the lower surface. The flexible membrane is operatively coupled to the upper surface and is capable of deforming. The IR absorbent medium is operatively coupled to the chambers and is capable of converting IR radiation into heat. The thermally reactive medium is contained within the chambers and is capable of changing volume in response to temperature changes.