Patents by Inventor Niels A. Thompson

Niels A. Thompson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4684800
    Abstract: A method and circuit for reading out the detector signal current from an infrared focal plane array by converting the detector current into a precisely proportional charge packet which is injected into the channel of a charge-coupled device (CCD). In a preferred embodiment the circuit comprises a capacitive feedback transimpedance amplifier 30 (or similar infrared detector signal encoding circuit) coupled to a precision CCD charge-injection circuit 10 formed on a semiconducting substrate 12. A surface potential well 50 underneath a reservoir gate electrode 80 is filled with charge that is initially kept in place by a channel stop 14 and a potential barrier 62. When the detector signal is applied to signal gate electrode 60, the potential barrier 62 is lowered and a precisely proportional amount of charge fills a store potential well 48 underneath a store gate electorde 85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Arthur L. Morse, Niels A. Thompson