Abstract: A method for evaluating performance of a solar cell, comprising: a current passing step (S1) of passing, in a forward direction, a direct current with respect to a solar cell element constituting the solar cell; a temperature control step (S2) of heating the solar cell element and controlling a heating temperature of the solar cell element; and a light emission detecting step (S3) of detecting light emission characteristics of light generated from the solar cell element due to the passing of the direct current in the current passing step and the heating of the solar cell element in the temperature control step (S2).

Abstract: Spectrum detection is performed at a high S/N ratio, high sensitivity, and high speed.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is described and includes a heat sink having a first thermal contact surface, an object having a second thermal contact surface and a resilient wall. The first thermal contact surface and the second thermal contact surface face each other and define a gap. The resilient wall is part of an enclosure that surrounds a space at least comprising the gap, and the cooling arrangement includes a facility to maintain a pressure difference between the space and an environment of the cooling arrangement. Additionally, a lithographic apparatus comprising such a cooling arrangement is described.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element having an imaging function, one surface of which serves as a light-receiving surface; a package having a recess containing the semiconductor element with the light-receiving surface facing outward; a light-transmitting plate closing the recess of the package containing the semiconductor element; a conductor provided at the package, electrically connected to the semiconductor element, and electrically connected to an external circuit; a heat conductive member provided to protrude from another surface of the semiconductor element; and a printed circuit board on which the external circuit is provided, on which the semiconductor element is mounted in electrical connection with the external circuit, and which is formed with an opening to serve as a clearance for the heat conductive member.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining a change of temperature of a SBT pixel element are provided. The method includes determining a first value indicating an amount of surface charge of the SBT pixel element due to a spontaneous polarization of the SBT pixel element at a first time. The method further includes determining a second value indicating an amount of surface charge of the SBT pixel element due to a spontaneous polarization of the SBT pixel element at a second time. The method further includes determining a third value proportional to a difference between the first value and the second value. The method further includes determining a fourth value indicative of the change of temperature of the SBT pixel element based on the third value. The method further includes storing the fourth value indicative of the change of temperature of the SBT pixel element in a memory device.

Abstract: A power and energy (PE) meter includes a sensor head comprising a sensor which absorbs EM radiation that impinges on it, and a heat sink with which the sensor is in thermal contact. The heat sink includes a through-hole behind the sensor which allows at least some of the EM radiation which is not absorbed by the sensor to pass through the heat sink without being absorbed. A means of applying mechanical pressure is preferably employed to hold the sensor in thermal contact with the heat sink. A capture head and shroud may be mounted behind and physically separate from the sensor head, and arranged to absorb at least some of the radiation which is not absorbed by the sensor head.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus is provided which may control temperature of an optical component that operates upon receipt of light from a light source. The apparatus may include a light quantity detector which detects a quantity of light based on the light source; and a temperature regulator which performs regulating operation for regulating the temperature of the optical component on the basis of the light quantity detected by the light quantity detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a downhole property are provided. The apparatus may include a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature and a temperature controller in communication with the downhole tool that maintains a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration. A method may include conveying a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature in a well borehole and adjusting the temperature of the downhole tool during downhole operation to maintain a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration.

Abstract: A heat dissipation method for a projector includes measuring a first temperature at an intake vent of a projector, measuring a second temperature at an outlet vent of the projector, controlling a heat sink of the projector based on the first temperature when the second temperature is smaller than a predetermined value, and controlling the heat sink of the projector based on the second temperature when the second temperature is larger than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A condition or detecting a change in the condition of an optical element of a laser arrangement is detected. An ultrasonic signal is coupled into an optical element such that the ultrasonic signal travels along a path within the optical element, and a transit time or a change in transit time for the ultrasonic signal to travel along the path within the optical element is detected.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a lens barrel, an image sensor, an imaging plate configured to fix the image sensor thereto, an elastic member disposed between the lens barrel and the imaging plate, a fixing member configured to fix the imaging plate to the lens barrel while deforming the elastic member, a heat transfer plate which transfers heat from the imaging plate, and a heat-conductive sheet which is elastically deformable and held between the imaging plate and the heat transfer plate. When the imaging plate is fixed to the lens barrel, the heat-conductive sheet is held between the imaging plate and the heat transfer plate, such that a direction of an elastic force applied to the imaging plate by the elastic member coincides with a direction of an elastic force applied to the imaging plate by the heat-conductive sheet.

Abstract: An image sensor module including a base, an image sensing unit, a filter, and at least an exhaust unit is disclosed. The base has a first binding plate which is opposite to a second binding plate, and a space, wherein both of the first and the second binding plates are vertical to an optical axis. The image sensor unit and the filter respectively bind to the first and the second binding plates. The exhaust unit binding to the second plate has a first exhaust entrance connecting to the space, an exhaust outlet connecting to the outside, and an exhaust path connecting to the first exhaust entrance.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiation detector that can efficiently cool solid-state sensors used in collecting photons produced during conversion of radiation to light. The radiation detector can achieve an excellent cooling effect by transferring heat, which is produced during the cooling process, through a housing. The radiation detector comprises of an detection unit that detects the photons produced during the conversion of radiation to light, by utilizing a plurality of solid-state sensors installed on the motherboard. The radiation detector further comprises a heat transferring unit that cools the plurality of solid-state sensors simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (10; 30; 50) for a LED luminary (12) including a plurality of LED light sources of multiple colors for producing a mixed color light. The control system comprises means (22) for controlling the LED light sources in accordance with a difference between set point values representing a desired light output and first control data provided by at least one optical sensor (14; 32) responsive to a property of the light produced by the LED light sources. The control system is characterized by means (26; 38) for compensating said set point values in accordance with second control data provided by a temperature sensor (24) responsive to the temperature of the optical sensor(s) (14; 32). The additional temperature sensor makes it possible to compensate for changes in the spectral sensitivity of the optical sensor(s), whereby the color stability of the LED luminary with integrated optical sensors can be increased.

Abstract: A method of compensating a photo sensor (and a corresponding photo sensor with compensation) insures the accuracy of the photo sensor, e.g., over environmental variations or photo cell variations. The method comprises: providing a first signal indicative of a light level; providing a second signal indicative of an environmental parameter, e.g., temperature; and calculating, responsive to the first signal and the second signal, a compensated signal that is indicative of an absolute light level. The calculating can be performed by a processor and utilize calibration and compensation information or parameters, which can be obtained experimentally.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiation detector that can efficiently cool solid-state sensors used in collecting photons produced during conversion of radiation to light. The radiation detector can achieve an excellent cooling effect by transferring heat, which is produced during the cooling process, through a housing. The radiation detector comprises of an detection unit that detects the photons produced during the conversion of radiation to light, by utilizing a plurality of solid-state sensors installed on the motherboard. The radiation detector further comprises a heat transferring unit that cools the plurality of solid-state sensors simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement and the associated method for the compensation of the temperature dependency of detectors in spectrometers. In the solution according to the invention, the arrangement for compensation of the temperature dependency of detectors in spectrometers comprises an illumination unit, an entrance slit, an imaging grating, a detector and a controlling and evaluating unit. A second temperature gauge for the ambient temperature is provided in addition to an existing first temperature gauge and a temperature regulating unit. In the method according to the invention, a temperature regulating unit is controlled in such a way by a controlling and evaluating unit in the evaluation of the measurement values determined by two temperature gauges that the temperature of the detector remains constant.

Abstract: An image pick-up element 1 is mounted on an element mounting part 7 formed with a member whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of an element storing part 3. Inputting and outputting pins 5 for electrically connecting the image pick-up element to a control circuit board 13 for controlling the image pick-up element are provided in a direction that does not interfere with the contact part of the element mounting part 7 and a heat absorbing mechanism 8. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the image pick-up element and the heat absorbing mechanism can be improved and the area of a heat absorbing part can be increased. As a result, the cooling capability of the element is increased so that the image pick-up element can be driven under a condition at higher speed than usual.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a temperature controlled photodetector. The disclosed detector can reach a temperature at which responsivity is maximized within a short time and with little wasted power. Furthermore, the photodetector prevents thermal gradients from developing across the detector so that the whole detector region has equivalent responsivity.

Abstract: A method for evaluating performance of a solar cell, comprising: a current passing step (S1) of passing, in a forward direction, a direct current with respect to a solar cell element constituting the solar cell; a temperature control step (S2) of heating the solar cell element and controlling a heating temperature of the solar cell element; and a light emission detecting step (S3) of detecting light emission characteristics of light generated from the solar cell element due to the passing of the direct current in the current passing step and the heating of the solar cell element in the temperature control step (S2).

Abstract: A diffractive-based laser scanning system that monitors portions of the laser light beams generated by a laser light source (e.g., VLD) employed therein to generate a mode switching signal indicative of a shift in the characteristic wavelength of the laser light beams emitted from the laser light source. In response thereto, a temperature controller selectively heats or cools the laser light source to minimize and avoid such wavelength changes. Mode switching is detected by monitoring a zeroth diffractive order beam produced by a diffractive element of the system. Temperature control of the laser light source is accomplished using active heating elements and passive cooling elements in thermal contact with the laser light source. In addition, temperature control of the laser light source is preferably accomplished over a heating range, whereby temperature within this range is approximated by a look-up table.

Abstract: An electronic microwave circuit with GaAs field-effect transistors, which are integrated onto a semiconductor substrate, for switching high frequency electrical input signals has at least one light source for illuminating the GaAs field-effect transistors. The intensity of the light source and/or the color of the light source are changeable during operation. A calibrating device calibrates the intensity and/or color of the light source using a method according to the invention.

Abstract: A highly thermal conductive member is filled in a gap between a base portion and a movable portion of a spring stage in an image shift type imaging apparatus. Heat from a heat generating surface of a cooling element is conducted from the movable portion to the base portion through the highly thermal conductive member, and it is further conducted to an inner lid and discharged to the outside of an imaging apparatus housing.

Abstract: A field-modulating angular position measuring device includes a scanning device, a measuring graduation, and evaluation electronics, the scanning device and the measuring graduation being arranged at a scanning distance rotatably relative to each other, and angle-dependent output signals being producible by the scanning device, which may be processed further in the evaluation electronics. The angular position measuring device furthermore has a unit for determining the signal amplitudes of the output signals. The angular position measuring device furthermore includes a temperature sensor, which is able to determine a temperature in the angular position measuring device. The angular position measuring device is configured such that the scanning distance may be determined on the basis of the temperature and the signal amplitudes. Furthermore, a method for operating such an angular position measuring device makes it possible, e.g., to determine a change in length of a shaft.

Abstract: A wavelength measuring device includes: light receiving elements that receive light to be measured; a temperature controller that maintains the light receiving elements at different temperatures from one another; and a calculation unit that determines the wavelength of the light to be measured, based on outputs of the light receiving elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are an in-line monitoring apparatus with a temperature compensator, an optical receiver and a method for stabilizing gain of an avalanche photodiode (“APD”) over an extended range of input power values and across temperature variations. The apparatus can include one or more power monitoring stages coupled in parallel to the APD for generating one or more measurement signals in-situ. The apparatus also includes a temperature compensator configured to adjust an operational parameter for the APD as a function of temperature and the measurement signal. The temperature compensator adjusts the bias to maintain a substantially uniform gain across temperature variations to facilitate an increased sensitivity with which to monitor the input power at lower levels than if the temperature compensator did not adjust the bias in response to the temperature. One of the power monitoring stages can be configured to monitor the low-powered optical signals.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a biasing unit supplying a bias signal to a first avalanche photodiode and a second avalanche photodiode, the bias signal having a first level and a second level, the first level causing a multiplying effect and the second level causing a non-multiplying effect for the first and the second avalanche photodiodes; a smoothing unit smoothing the bias signal biasing the first avalanche photodiode into a smoothed bias signal; a current detecting unit detecting photocurrent from the second avalanche photodiode, with a multiplying current value corresponding to the multiplying bias level and a non-multiplying current value corresponding to the non-multiplying bias level; a multiplication factor calculating unit calculating a multiplication factor of the second avalanche photodiode based on the multiplying current value and the non-multiplying current value; and a control unit controlling the first level of the bias signal based on the calculated multiplication factor.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a temperature controlled photodetector. The disclosed detector can reach a temperature at which responsivity is maximized within a short time and with little wasted power. Furthermore, the photodetector prevents thermal gradients from developing across the detector so that the whole detector region has equivalent responsivity.

Abstract: A wavelength measuring device includes: a light receiving element that receive light to be measured; a temperature controller that maintains the light receiving element at different temperatures; and a calculation unit that determines the wavelength of the light to be measured, based on the outputs of the light receiving elements.

Abstract: A functional device includes a light sensor for outputting a signal control signal relative to received light, a temperature sensor for outputting an additional control signal relative to an ambient temperature, a control means for controlling the signal control signal, and an output means for outputting a sensory signal perceivable by a sensory organ based on the signal control signal. The control means controls the signal control signal by using the additional control signal.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a photodiode or other suitable light-sensitive device connected to a power source in a reverse bias configuration. A capacitor and a controller are connected to the photodiode. The controller measures the length of time required for the capacitor to charge to a predetermined voltage, and the known relationship between the dark current of the photodiode and the temperature is utilized to determine temperature. The controller resets the capacitor to zero volts, and repeats the charge/time measurement cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical receiver by which the avalanche photodiode (APD) can be protected from the self-breakdown when the signal light with excess power enters therein. The APD is biased by the DC/DC converter via the control circuit including a resistor and a variable current source connected in series to the resistor and in parallel to the APD. The resistor drops the bias voltage to the APD by the current provided from the variable current source. The controller adjusts the amount of the current flowing in the variable current source not to exceed the absolute maximum current for the APD. Accordingly, the multiplication factor of the APD is appropriately adjusted.

Abstract: An output compensating device capable of optimally compensating output signals of an image sensor composed of a number of light-sensor circuits, each of which represents a unit pixel and is capable of producing in a photoelectric converting element a sensor current proportional to a quantity of light falling thereon, converting the current into a voltage signal by a MOS type transistor with a logarithmic output characteristic in a weak inverse state, initializing itself by removing a charge accumulated in a parasitic capacitor of the photoelectric converting element by changing a drain voltage of the transistor to a value lower than a normal value for a specified time and outputting a pixel signal having a logarithmic characteristic at a large quantity of the sensor current and a pixel signal having a non-logarithmic characteristic at a small quantity of the sensor current.

Abstract: Cooled photosensitive cell (80) comprising a table (50), sensors (66) which are fitted on the table, a screen (80) to prevent parasitic radiation on the sensors, and at least one Joule-Thomson cooler (41, 42) to cool the table and the screen. The table (50) and the screen (80) are cooled by convection, the table (50) being provided with apertures (55) for passage of the cooling flow, which communicate with an annular cavity (63) for cooling of the screen (80).

Abstract: A diffractive-based laser scanning system of the present invention monitors portions of the laser light beams generated by a laser light source (e.g., VLD) employed therein to generate a mode switching signal indicative of a shift in the characteristic wavelength of the laser light beams emitted from the laser light source. In response thereto, a temperature controller selectively heats (or cool) the laser light source to minimize and avoid such wavelength changes, thereby mitigating any potential problems caused by such wavelength changes. Preferably, mode switching (e.g., change in characteristic wavelength of light emitted from the laser light source) is detected by monitoring a zeroth diffractive order beam produced by a diffractive element of the system. Moreover, temperature control of the laser light source is preferably accomplished using active heating elements (e.g., a heating resistor) and passive cooling elements (e.g., a heat sink) in thermal contact with the laser light source.

Abstract: An antenna-coupled microbolometer multilayer structure, and associated method of forming an antenna-coupled microbolometer multilayer structure are disclosed, where the structure includes a dielectric layer of dielectric material having at least one locally doped region doped with a dopant to provide a thermal conductive path from a first side to a second side of the dielectric layer. The structure includes an antenna on the first side of the dielectric layer coupled to the locally doped region; a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) on the second side of the dielectric layer coupled to the locally doped region; a conductive substrate between the dielectric layer and the ROIC; and an electrical connection between the locally doped region and the ROIC, wherein the ROIC is connected to detect, via the electrical connection, a change in electrical resistivity of the locally doped region due to thermal energy absorbed from the antenna.

Abstract: A system for measuring gains of a plurality of photo diodes includes a chamber adapted to host the plurality of photo diodes and a temperature control unit configured to control the temperature within the chamber to a predetermined temperature. A control unit selects at least one of the plurality of photo diodes. A hosting unit is configured to provide a bias voltage to the selected photo diode at the predetermined temperature. A light source transmits photo signals to the selected photo diode at the predetermined temperature. A measurement unit configured to measure current signals generated by the selected photo diode in response to the photo signals under the bias voltage at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a solar position tracing sensor having a high resolving power by using a temperature coefficient and heat conductivity of fine patterns on a printed circuit board (PCB). The solar position tracing sensor is reliable and has a wide application ranges for both celestial and terrestrial applications. It can be produced in mass at cheep cost. The solar position tracing sensor includes: a light condenser for condensing and filtering sunlight; a PCB having light reception patterns on the top and bottom surfaces; a heat protection plate for preventing the temperature of the entire PCB from being increased; a reference voltage supplier for providing a reference voltage source to find out a specific light reception pattern whose temperature is increased from radiation of the sunlight; and a voltmeter for measuring alteration in voltage based on the alteration in a temperature coefficient of the light reception pattern with increased temperature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measurement of energy from a defined source having increased accuracy in measuring low energies. The device comprises a housing containing sensors. A first sensor receives energy from the source and produces a first output. A second sensor receives ambient energy only and produces a second output. Subtraction of the second output from the first output produces a more accurate corrected output. The method includes providing a housing containing a first sensor and a second sensor and directing energy from the defined source to a surface of the first sensor thereby causing the first sensor to produce a first output while only ambient energy from sources other than the defined source is applied to a surface of the second sensor which produce a second output that is subtracted from the first output producing a corrected output.

Abstract: A rotation information record surface of a rotary disk is disposed at an intermediate position between a fixing point of the rotary disk and a rotary shaft and a fixing position of a detection head, so that a stable gap can be obtained with a variation due to thermal expansion being reduced. In order to attain this, the fitting portion of the rotary disk is shaped to have a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion. The first fitting portion is provided for attaining satisfactory coaxiality, and the second fitting portion is adapted to form a clearance into which bonding means such as an adhesive is to be infused. With the above structure, an optimum detection position (i.e. an optimum gap position) would not be varied by a change in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The temperature difference between an internal temperature and an external temperature which are detected by an internal temperature sensor and an external temperature sensor, respectively, is calculated. If the internal temperature is lower by not less than predetermined degrees than the external temperature and, hence, condensation on the surface of each optical component within a laser writing unit is highly likely, a motor is driven to rotate a polygonal mirror. During its operation the motor generates heat, which in turn transfers from a flange portion directly to a housing while heating air around the laser writing unit. Further, air within the housing is stirred by rotation of the polygonal mirror. In this way the temperature of the entire laser writing unit is raised.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating a QKD system for variations in temperature are disclosed. One of the methods includes identifying an optimum detector gating signal timing as a function of temperature for a single-photon detector (SPD) control board in one of the QKD stations. The detector gating signal timing versus temperature information is stored in a look-up table in a memory unit. The QKD system's temperature is monitored during operation and the timing of the detector gating signal is adjusted based on the operating temperature and the corresponding timing value adjustment in the look-up table. The result is a compensated detector gating timing signal provided to the SPD that yields an optimum number of photon counts even as the temperature of the QKD station varies.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for variations in the output signal of a color sensor due to varying temperature of the color sensor. The color sensor receives light and generates an output signal that is based on the received light. The temperature compensation mechanism measures the temperature of the color sensor and uses the measured temperature to selectively adjust the output signal of the color sensor to generate a compensated output signal that is not dependent on temperature of the color sensor.

Abstract: The present light-receiving circuit provides a function capable of adjusting the temperature dependence and the output of the bias supply circuit independently. The light-receiving circuit includes a bias supply circuit, a voltage divider and a temperature compensation circuit that adjusts a division ratio of the voltage divider so as to depend linearly on the temperature. The temperature compensation circuit has a differential amplifier operating in the inverting mode, and a temperature-sensing resistor that connects the inverting input to the output of the differential amplifier. Since the temperature-sensing resistor has a linear dependence on the temperature and is connected as a feedback resistor, the output of the differential amplifier also depend linearly on the temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature-compensating device for an APD optical-receiver system using an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode). The device includes a temperature-compensating circuit which employs a digital potentiometer capable of linear compensation through data look-up in compensating the decrease in gain caused by the temperature change of the APD.

Abstract: A rotation information record surface of a rotary disk is disposed at an intermediate position between a fixing point of the rotary disk and a rotary shaft and a fixing position of a detection head, so that a stable gap can be obtained with a variation due to thermal expansion being reduced. In order to attain this, the fitting portion of the rotary disk is shaped to have a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion. The first fitting portion is provided for attaining satisfactory coaxiality, and the second fitting portion is adapted to form a clearance into which bonding means such as an adhesive is to be infused. With the above structure, an optimum detection position (i.e. an optimum gap position) would not be varied by a change in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor device for detecting precipitation on an outer surface of a transparent pane. The sensor device includes a beam guide attached to an inner surface of the pane and a circuit board offset from the inner pane surface. A beam transmitter is arranged on the circuit board to transmit, along a transmission beam path, a light beam toward the pane via the beam guide. A beam receiver is arranged on the circuit board to receive, along a reception beam path, a light beam reflected from the outer surface of the pane via the beam guide. A circuit substrate, electrically connected to the circuit board, is arranged parallel to the pane between the pane and the circuit board. An installation space separates the circuit substrate from the inner pane surface. A heating device is arranged on the circuit substrate in an area lying outside of the beam paths.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for calibrating optical emitters. For example, one calibration method is employed in connection with an optical transceiver that includes a laser. A range of temperatures is defined that includes low end and high end temperatures. At a first temperature, within the range, a first bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a first predefined power level. At a second temperature outside the range, a second bias current to the laser is adjusted until the laser generates an optical signal at a second predefined power level. If the second temperature is greater than the high end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as less than the first predefined power level, and if the second temperature is less than the low end temperature, the second predefined power level is defined as greater than the first predefined power level.

Abstract: A light source device which can prevent a large-sized structure of the device, a light source device which can improve assembling efficiency and maintainability of the device, and an image forming method and apparatus in which occurrence of moisture condensation can be prevented, are provided. An LED substrate in which a large number of light emitting diodes (LED) are arranged on the surface thereof in a two-dimensional manner, a base, a Peltier element, and a radiating fin are formed integrally by urging force of a compression spring. The radiating fin is disposed in contact with a light source housing body. Further, in carrying out temperature adjustment control using the Peltier element, the temperature adjustment control is carried out only when the internal temperature of the device in which a light source device is provided, is a predetermined temperature or higher.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which includes: a sensor unit having a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions for converting light from an object into charges and accumulating the charges; a sensor drive circuit for controlling an accumulation time of the charges in the sensor unit; a light source for irradiating light on the object; a temperature detection circuit for detecting ambient temperature of the sensor unit; and a control circuit for controlling the sensor drive circuit and the light source according to an output of the temperature detection circuit.