Including Detector Array Patents (Class 250/339.02)
  • Patent number: 9726487
    Abstract: A sensing device for obtaining geometric referenced multi-spectral image data of a region of interest in relative movement with respect to the sensing device, includes a first two dimensional sensor element and a spectral filter. The sensing device obtains subsequent multi-spectral images during the relative motion of the region of interest with respect to the sensing device, thus providing spectrally distinct information for different parts of a region of interest using different parts of the first sensor. A second two dimensional sensor element, using the second sensor element, provides an image of the region of interest for generating geometric referencing information to be coupled to the distinct spectral information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Jan Biesemans, Bavo DeLaure, Bart Michiels
  • Patent number: 9654704
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for multispectral imaging comprising, representation generator arranged to generate a three dimensional representation of a scene, at least one infrared imaging sensor arranged to obtain an infrared image of the scene, and an image overlaying processor arranged to overlay the infrared image onto the three dimensional representation of the scene to produce an infrared three dimensional representation of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: InfraRed Integrated Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Stuart Holliday
  • Patent number: 9584747
    Abstract: The system may include a pixel array, a selector, a sampler, and a converter. The pixel array may generate output signals representing radiation incident upon the pixel array. The selector may select one of the output signals. The sampler may sample the selected output signal. The converter may generate a digital signal based upon the selected output signal. The sampler may include a charge integrator that compensates for parasitic capacitance of the selector by selecting a first feedback capacitance to obtain a first sample, and after obtaining the first sample, selecting a second feedback capacitance to obtain a second sample. The first feedback capacitance may be greater than the second feedback capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Camille L. Huin, Gary R. Carreau
  • Patent number: 9568363
    Abstract: A spectrometer employs multiple filters having complex filter spectra that can be generated robustly from received light over short optical path lengths. The complex filter spectra provide data that can be converted to a spectrum of the received light using compressed sensing techniques. The result is a more compact, easily manufactured spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Zongfu Yu
  • Patent number: 9540701
    Abstract: A system and method for continuous, real-time process monitoring and control by means of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides analysis of static or flowing fluid streams which may range from clear to highly optically dense, including fluids primarily of aqueous composition. A NIR source passes through a wavelength selector to select one or more spectral segments, which are passed through the fluid stream at a fluid sampling interface and received at a sensor. A wavelength reference material is positioned in the optical path for calibration. Quantification of a plurality of characteristics or parameters of a fluid and suspended solids or cells contained therein may be performed. An all-solid-state implementation of the optical system ensures high robustness in laboratory and industrial settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ASL ANALYTICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon Todd Olesberg, Mark Allen Arnold, Gary Wray Small, Edwin John Koerperick, Christine Esther Evans
  • Patent number: 9495745
    Abstract: A method for registering a visual image and a spectral image of a biological sample includes aligning a first set of coordinate positions of a plurality of reticles on a slide holder and a second set of coordinate positions of the plurality of reticles on the slide holder. The method further includes generating a registered image of a visual image of a biological sample and a spectral image of the biological sample based upon the alignment of the first and second set of coordinate positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: CIRECA THERANOSTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Stanley H. Remiszewski, Clay M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9457382
    Abstract: A sorting system for use with a feed material. The system includes a detector system, a control system, a diversion system, and a material transport mechanism. The material transport mechanism is configured to transport the feed material to the diversion system past the detector system. The detector system is operable to detect a level of a contaminant in the feed material transported past the detector system and transmit a signal to the control system indicating the level. The control system is operable to instruct the diversion system to deposit the feed material in a first area when the level exceeds predefined release criteria, and to deposit the feed material in a second area when the level does not exceed predefined release criteria. The feed material may include soil, concrete rubble, masonry rubble, ore, ash, metallic shapes, metallic scraps, and vegetable matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ISO-PACIFIC NUCLEAR ASSAY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael John Dillon
  • Patent number: 9453968
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical touch sensing technology. Provided is an apparatus comprising an emitting optical waveguide comprising input and output areas, an emitting optical distributed band pass filter disposed at the output area, a receiving waveguide disposed at a spaced apart location from the emitting waveguide, and a receiving distributed band pass filter at an input area of the receiving waveguide. The apparatus may comprise a tunable light source for cycling through a plurality of frequency bands of light for scanning a length of the waveguides for an obstruction (e.g. a touch). The apparatus may be used in place of the plurality of light source/photo detector pairs found in conventional touch screen devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Albert M. David
  • Patent number: 9394786
    Abstract: A method and a system for in situ measuring and analyzing, in a continuous, non-intrusive manner in real-time, one or more compounds, typically minerals present in debris from drilling or some similar material, in powder, comminuted solids or slurry form is disclosed. The method and system provide real-time, non-intrusive, continuous in situ determination of the grade of valuable minerals present in drilling pits debris generated during excavation, with a relatively low measurement error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: INGENIEROS MATEMATICOS CONSULTORES ASOCIADOS S.A.
    Inventors: Mario Manuel Duran Toro, Ricardo Oliver Hein Hoernig, Pedro Ramaciotti Morales, Pedro Antonio Escárate Monetta
  • Patent number: 9371555
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a lighting system and methods of using the lighting system for in vitro potency assay for photofrin. The lighting system includes a lamp housing, a first lens, an infrared absorbing filter, an optical filter, and a second lens. The lamp housing includes a lamp and a light-port. In operation, broad spectrum light from the lamp exits the lamp housing by passing through the light-port. The first lens then collimates the broad spectrum light that exits the lamp housing through the light-port. The infrared absorbing filter then passes a first portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the optical filter and absorbs infrared light of the broad spectrum light. The optical filter then passes a second portion of the collimated broad spectrum light to the second lens. The second lens then disperses the second portion of the collimated light to provide uniform irradiation of a cell culture plate. A method of using the lighting system for studying a photosensitizer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Concordia Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9285501
    Abstract: A multi-sensor system rapidly measures diffuse reflectance of soil, soil conductivity, and other soil properties in situ, in three dimensions. The system includes a tractor-drawn implement containing a sensor shank used for X-Y axis measurements, a hydraulic probe implement containing a sensor probe for ?Z axis measurements, and a set of visible and near-infrared spectrometers, controls, and firmware that are shared by each implement. Both implements include optical sensors and soil electrical conductivity sensors. The probe implement incorporates a sensor that measures insertion force, and the shank implement includes a soil temperature sensor. These combinations of sensors are used to calibrate the system and to characterize the soil properties within a field or area. Geo-referenced soil measurements are collected with the shank implement to identify optimal locations for conducting sensor probe insertions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Veris Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Christy, Paul Drummond, Giyoung Kweon, Chase Maxton, Kenton Dreiling, Kyle Jensen, Eric Lund
  • Patent number: 9279721
    Abstract: A measuring cell for a gas analysis spectrometer has an inner chamber for a sample gas to be analyzed and an inlet and an outlet which are connected thereto. A traversing optical path for a measuring beam is formed in the inner chamber. The measuring cell is tubular, the inlet and the outlet are arranged at opposite ends, and the inner chamber of the measuring cell has a cross-sectional shape that is monotonic over the length of the tube and which has an oval-shape at the start, which disappears toward the end. That special shape results in fast gas exchange and thus high dynamics, even with larger measuring cells, which have high sensitivity due to the long optical paths thereof. Two characteristics which until now appeared to be conflicting are thereby combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Bruker Optik GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Krause, Yifei Wang, Lars Schomann, Gerhard Matz, Roland Harig, Jens Eichmann
  • Patent number: 9228893
    Abstract: A system for the detection of components in a region of the atmosphere is disclosed, the system comprising a spectrometer assembly having a detector optically coupled to a optical assembly, the optical assembly receiving incident sunlight from the region of the atmosphere, the optical assembly having a field of view extending from the zenith to below the horizon; means for rotating the spectrometer assembly about a vertical axis; and a processor for receiving data from the spectrometer assembly and compiling data relating to the identity and concentration of components in the region of the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: University of Leicester
    Inventor: Roland Leigh
  • Patent number: 9182282
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods of high-speed analysis of product samples. Light is directed to a portion of a product under analysis and reflected from or transmitted through the product toward an optical detector. Signals for the detector are compared with reference signals based on a portion of the illuminating light passing through a reference element to determine characteristics of the product under analysis. The products under analysis may be stationary, moved by an inspection point by conveyor or other means, or may be contained within a container, the container including a window portion through which the product illuminating light may pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Myrick, Robert P. Freese, David L. Perkins, Terrell Teague, William Soltmann
  • Patent number: 9136297
    Abstract: A method for driving a semiconductor device which enables three-dimensional imaging is provided. The method for driving the semiconductor device also enables a reduction in the size of a pixel, two-dimensional imaging concurrently with the three-dimensional imaging, and/or accurate three-dimensional imaging of a fast-moving object. The distance from a light source to an object is measured by performing a first imaging and a second imaging with respect to the timings of the first irradiation and the second irradiation, respectively. A first photosensor absorbing visible light and a second photosensor absorbing infrared light are overlapped with each other and enable the two-dimensional imaging and the three-dimensional imaging, respectively, to be performed concurrently. Adjacent photosensors detect light reflected off substantially the same point of an object, preventing a reduction in the accuracy of the three-dimensional imaging of a fast-moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9116245
    Abstract: In order to provide a high accuracy radiation dose rate measurement system by good energy characteristics without deteriorating the original energy characteristics of a low dose rate range due to widening range, the dose rate measurement system is composed of: a radiation detector which sends a discrete current pulse having electric charge proportional to incident radiation energy and a DC voltage in which a DC current proportional to the radiation energy is converted; a high voltage power source which supplies a high voltage that operates the radiation detector; and a measurement unit in which the current pulse and the DC voltage are applied from the radiation detector to be converted to a low range dose rate and a high range dose rate respectively, and the low range dose rate and the high range dose rate are switched to be sent depending on the dose rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Moteki, Toshihide Aiba
  • Patent number: 9082676
    Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of acquiring high-precision range information in a short time is provided. Alternatively, a semiconductor device capable of acquiring the range information and image information concurrently in a short time is provided. The accuracy of range information is increased by performing infrared light irradiation more than once to acquire a detection signal and making infrared light irradiation periods identical and extremely short. By detecting light reflected from substantially the same points of an object by adjacent photodiodes, the accuracy of range information can be maintained even when the object is a moving object. By overlapping a photodiode absorbing visible light and transmitting infrared light with a photodiode absorbing infrared light, range information and image information can be acquired concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9074940
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature light sensing assembly comprising a light sensing device, a computing device and a connecting member. The light sensing device comprises a main body having an entrance, a light detecting unit disposed in the main body and receiving light travelling through the entrance, a processing module disposed in the main body and converting the light into a photoelectric signal, a connecting unit disposed on the main body, and a signal transmitting module transmitting the photoelectric signal wirelessly. The connecting member is adapted to couple with the light sensing device through the connecting unit. The photoelectric signal is transmitted from the signal transmitting module to the computing device wirelessly and converted into information required by a user by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: AsenseTek Inc.
    Inventor: Bill Hsu
  • Patent number: 9040917
    Abstract: An efficient method for the extraction of hemodynamic responses in Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) systems is proposed to increase the spatial and temporal resolution without hardware overhead. The performance improvement is attributed to high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) receivers, a modulation scheme, and a Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) based data extraction algorithm. The proposed system shows an over 2× increment in the figure of merit (FOM) compared to conventional designs. Experimental results support the validity of the proposed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hyeon Min Bae, Jong-Kwan Choi, Min-Gyu Choi
  • Publication number: 20150120092
    Abstract: A system for detecting ice or supercooled large droplets within an area of interest having a detection system measuring radiance or reflectance of the area of interest when exposed to shortwave infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range of about 2.05 ?m to about 2.30 ?m. The detection system measures the radiance or reflectance in a first band having a wavelength in the range of about 2.05 ?m to about 2.15 ?m and outputting a first band signal, and further measures the radiance or reflectance in a second band having a wavelength in the range of about 2.15 ?m to about 2.30 ?m and outputting a second band signal. A processing unit determines a ratio of the first band signal and the second band signal and compares the ratio to a predetermined critical ratio and outputs a determination signal indicating presence of ice or supercooled water droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventor: Nilton O. RENNÓ
  • Publication number: 20150102223
    Abstract: A dispersion spectrometer comprises a wavelength dispersive element located within a path of incoming radiant energy; and a first detector disposed to detect incoming radiant energy dispersed by the dispersive element, The spectrometer further comprises a second detector disposed to register the intensity of at least a portion of the un-dispersed incoming radiation and configured to generate a signal representative of the registered intensity, the first detector being adapted to have operational parameters in the form of integration time and/or sensitivity gain varied in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: FOSS ANALYTICAL AB
    Inventor: Nils Wihlborg
  • Publication number: 20150041656
    Abstract: A noninvasive analyzer apparatus and method of use thereof is described using a plurality of time resolved sample illumination zones coupled to at least one two-dimensional detector array monitoring a plurality of detection zones. Control of illumination times and/or patterns along with selected detection zones yields pathlength resolved groups of spectra. Sectioned pixels and/or zones of the detector are optionally filtered for different light throughput as a function of wavelength. The pathlength resolved groups of spectra are subsequently analyzed to determine an analyte property. Optionally, in the mapping and/or collection phase, incident light is controllably varied in time in terms of any of: sample probe position, incident light solid angle, incident light angle, depth of focus, energy, intensity, and/or detection angle. Optionally, one or more physiological property and/or model property related to a physiological property is used in the analyte property determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Vlad Novotny, Sandeep Gulati, Thomas George, Timothy Ruchti, Alan Abul-Haj, Kevin H. Hazen
  • Patent number: 8946639
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to receive radiation at an active detector of a pair of radiation detectors to provide a first signal proportional to an intensity of the radiation, to receive none of the radiation at a blind detector of the pair of radiation detectors to provide a second signal proportional to the reception of no radiation, and to combine the first signal and the second signal to provide an output signal representing the difference between the first signal and the second signal. The pair of radiation detectors may comprise thermopile detectors. Combination may occur via differential amplification. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Pai, Marian Morys, Phap Hung Lien
  • Patent number: 8895928
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to receive radiation at an active detector of a pair of radiation detectors to provide a first signal proportional to an intensity of the radiation, to receive none of the radiation at a blind detector of the pair of radiation detectors to provide a second signal proportional to the reception of no radiation, and to combine the first signal and the second signal to provide an output signal representing the difference between the first signal and the second signal. The pair of radiation detectors may comprise thermopile detectors. Combination may occur via differential amplification. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Pai, Marian Morys, Phap Hung Lien
  • Publication number: 20140319351
    Abstract: Detection of articles of different kind or defective quality can be accomplished with higher accuracy. With an inspection apparatus 100 and an inspection method using the inspection apparatus 100, in an analyzing unit 30, first, target pixels having imaged inspection objects are extracted from spectral data of each pixel acquired in a detecting unit 20, and the spectral data of plural target pixels which have imaged the same inspection object are grouped beforehand, and the classification of inspection objects is performed using the thus grouped spectra of the target objects. Therefore, the classification of inspection objects is done using the spectral data of a plurality of target pixels which have imaged the same inspection object. This enables reducing the possibility of incorrect judgment due to a noise contained in a specific pixel. Thus, the detection of articles of different kind or defective quality can be accomplished with higher accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro YAMADA, Akinori KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20140300897
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes security screening systems and methods for identifying a suspect material in a sample. In general terms, the system and method disclosed herein provide collection optics configured to collect a first plurality of interacted photons from an illuminated sample and generating a first optical signal. The first optical signal is separated into a plurality of optical components where the plurality of optical components are filtered by a plurality of filters. Each filter of the plurality of filters is configured to filter the plurality of optical components into a passband wavelength to generate a plurality of filtered components. The plurality of filtered components are detected by one or more detectors and one or more wavelength specific spectral images are generated. A processor is configured to analyze the one or more wavelength specific spectral images in order to identify the suspect material in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CHEMIMAGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick J. TREADO, Matthew NELSON, Charles W. GARDNER
  • Publication number: 20140299771
    Abstract: Terahertz spectrometer having a wider range of terahertz radiation source, high temporal resolution of scanning (<0.0.099 ?m or ˜0.3 pico second) over a wider range of scanning (up to ˜100 pico seconds). Also disclosed are exemplary applications of the spectrometer in biomedical, biological, pharmaceutical, and security areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Anis Rahman
  • Patent number: 8847162
    Abstract: The infrared detector includes a sensitive retina capable of detecting a radiation in the wavelength range between 8 and 14 micrometers; and a package containing the sensitive retina and including a window located opposite to the retina, said window comprising a substrate at least partially transparent in the wavelength range between 2 and 14 micrometers; and a set of optical filters formed on the window to attenuate an incident radiation on the retina in a wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and respectively an optical filter formed on a first surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a first interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and a periodic diffraction grating formed on a second surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a second interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, different from the first interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: ULIS
    Inventor: Jérôme Favier
  • Publication number: 20140264031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trace gas detection system. At least one embodiment includes a frequency spectrum comprising a 1st comb and an enhancement cavity characterized by having a 2nd comb of spectral resonances. The enhancement cavity contains a sample gas for spectroscopic measurement. A dither mechanism is configured to modulate the relative spectral position between the combs at a dither frequency, fd. The dither mechanism, in conjunction with a feedback mechanism, stabilizes the location of said 1st comb lines with respect to the resonances of said 2nd comb over a time scale much greater than a dither period, Td=1/fd. A time-averaged output from the enhancement cavity is provided to a spectroscopic measurement tool, for example a Fourier transform spectrometer. The system is capable of detecting volatile organic compounds, endogenous compounds, and may be configured for cancer detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: IMRA AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Martin E. FERMANN, Kevin F. Lee, Andrew A. Mills
  • Publication number: 20140231648
    Abstract: Terahertz imaging devices may comprise a focal plane array including a substrate and a plurality of resonance elements. The plurality of resonance elements may comprise a conductive material coupled to the substrate. Each resonance element of the plurality of resonance elements may be configured to resonate and produce an output signal responsive to incident radiation having a frequency between about a 0.1 THz and 4 THz range. A method of detecting a hazardous material may comprise receiving incident radiation by a focal plane array having a plurality of discrete pixels including a resonance element configured to absorb the incident radiation at a resonant frequency in the THz, generating an output signal from each of the discrete pixels, and determining a presence of a hazardous material by interpreting spectral information from the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventor: DALE K. KOTTER
  • Patent number: 8809787
    Abstract: A device and a method for use in detection of a muzzle flash event is described. The device can include a Photo Detector Array (PDA), sensitive in at least a portion of the NIR and SWIR spectrum, and a filter of electromagnetic radiation selectively passing in this portion a spectral range of low atmospheric transmission, the PDA has an integration time shorter than a duration of the muzzle flash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Elta Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil Tidhar
  • Patent number: 8804101
    Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Spagnolia, Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Roger Stettner
  • Patent number: 8759776
    Abstract: A TeraMOS sensor based on a CMOS-SOI-MEMS transistor, thermally isolated by the MEMS post-processing, designed specifically for the detection of THz radiation which may be directly integrated with the CMOS-SOI readout circuitry, in order to achieve a breakthrough in performance and cost. The TeraMOS sensor provides a low-cost, high performance THz passive or active imaging system (roughly in the range of 0.5-1.5 THz) by combining several leading technologies: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-Silicon on Insulator (SOI), Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and photonics. An array of TeraMOS sensors, integrated with readout circuitry and driving and supporting circuitry provides a monolithic focal plane array or imager. This imager is designed in a commercial CMOS-SOI Fab and the MEMS micromachining is provided as post-processing step in order to reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventor: Yael Nemirovsky
  • Patent number: 8749636
    Abstract: A multi-band aperture filter for optically coupling to a focal plane array (FPA) of a camera includes a substrate, and a first spectral coating on a first surface of the substrate that passes both a first longer and a second shorter wavelength band. A second spectral coating that passes the longer wavelength band and blocks the shorter wavelength band is on an outer annulus region, but not on an inner region on the first surface or a second surface of the substrate. The second spectral coating provides a larger aperture area for the longer wavelength band as compared to an aperture area for the shorter wavelength band to passively realize different F-numbers for the bands to provide substantially matched beam spot sizes on the detector array for the longer wavelength band and the shorter wavelength band, such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) band and a mid-wave IR (MWIR) band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140131578
    Abstract: A portable spectrometer device includes an illumination source for directing at a sample, and a tapered light pipe (TLP) for capturing light interacting with the sample at a first focal ratio and for delivering the light at a second focal ratio lower than the first focal ratio. A linearly variable filter (LVF) separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals; and a detector array, including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels disposed to receive at least a portion of a plurality of the constituent wavelength signals provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength. Preferably, the TLP is lensed at one end, and recessed in a protective boot with stepped inner walls. The gap between the TLP and LVF is minimized to further enhance resolution and robustness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Charles A. Hulse, Brett J. Bryars, Marc K. Von Gunten, Christopher G. Pederson, Nada A. O'Brien, Jerry Zieba
  • Publication number: 20140117239
    Abstract: Provided are a drug detection device and a drug detection method that are able to compute the residual amount of a drug quickly and in a contactless manner. The drug detection device according to the present invention is for detecting a drug remaining in a target area, and includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a target area with a light beam including near-infrared light, a spectroscope on which reflected light from the target area is incident, a near-infrared imaging unit configured to capture a spectrum obtained through dispersion of the reflected light by the spectroscope and to generate image data, a control unit configured to process the image data, and a storage unit configured to store an equation expressing a relationship between a prescribed amount of a drug and spectral data that is based on the spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiho Sakai, Tomohiro Fukuma
  • Publication number: 20140097343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spectroscopic detector, including: at least one waveguide (70) arranged on a substrate (7) and having an input surface (700) to be connected to an electromagnetic source, in particular an infrared source, and a mirror (701) on the opposite surface, so as to generate a standing wave inside the waveguide; and a means for detecting electromagnetic radiation, which output an electrical signal according to the local intensity of the electromagnetic wave, characterised in that said detection means consists of suspended membrane bolometers (72 to 75) distributed between the input surface and the mirror, each membrane of said heat detectors being separated from said at least one waveguide by anchoring points (42) on said substrate (7), and in that means (702 to 705) for sampling a portion of the electromagnetic wave is provided between the input surface and the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Serge Gidon, Sergio Nicoletti, Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet
  • Publication number: 20140061473
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and corresponding method for sensing terahertz radiation. The system collects terahertz radiation scattered from a target and upconverts the collected radiation to optical frequencies. A frequency-domain spectrometer senses spectral components of the upconverted signal in parallel to produce a spectroscopic measurement of the entire band of interest in a single shot. Because the sensing system can do single-shot measurements, it can sense moving targets, unlike sensing systems that use serial detection, which can only be used to sense stationary objects. As a result, the sensing systems and methods disclosed herein may be used for real-time imaging, including detection of concealed weapons, medical imaging, and hyperspectral imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mohammad J. Khan, Sumanth Kaushik, Jerry C. Chen
  • Publication number: 20140061472
    Abstract: Readout integrated circuits (ROICs) for multi-band imagers, and related methods, are described. The ROICs may include multiple channels associated with the detectors of a photodetector array, with the different channels corresponding to different wavelength bands detected by the detectors. The ROICs may utilize capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA) technology, and may implement time division multiplexing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Infrared Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Salvestrini, Zhenwu Wang, Hailing Guan, David Dozor
  • Publication number: 20140061474
    Abstract: When light beams of two different wavelengths applied from an excitation light source are made incident on a nonlinear optical crystal having a unique nonlinear coefficient, the nonlinear optical crystal generates THz waves resulting from difference frequency generation according to the nonlinear coefficient that the crystal itself has and SHG waves in which the light beams of two different wavelengths have been wavelength converted in accordance with the nonlinear coefficient. The generated THz waves pass through or are reflected from a sample and are detected by a THz detector. The SHG waves are detected by a SHG detector. A control unit acquires THz measurement values T from the THz detector, acquires SHG measurement values S from the SHG detector, and uses baseline THz measurement values TB and baseline SHG measurement values SB acquired without the sample to perform baseline correction using (T/S)/(TB/SB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8664602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wafer level vacuum package uncooled microbolometer focal plane array (FPA) on a wafer level substrate with a thin film getter-reflector (G-R). The G-R removes gas from the vacuum package and is reflective in the frequency band of the FPA. Sensor pixels are supported about a quarter-wavelength above the G-R which is within the perimeter of the imaging array. The package is evacuated through a single aperture, and vacuum is maintained for the lifetime of the FPA. Imaging sensor size is reduced while maintaining resolution by reducing non-imaging area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Blackwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8637823
    Abstract: An infrared light detector has a first substrate having a sensor chip thereon that has an exposure surface that can be irradiated with infrared light, the sensor chip converting the incident infrared light into an electrical signal. The infrared light detector also has a second substrate having a window therein that is located adjacent to the exposure surface of the sensor chip, the window masking infrared light of a predetermined wavelength. The size (dimensions) of the window and the distance of the window with respect to the exposure surface are dimensioned to cause infrared light passing through the window to completely strike the exposure area of the sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Pyreos Ltd.
    Inventor: Carsten Giebeler
  • Patent number: 8633440
    Abstract: Demultiplexing systems and methods are discussed which may be small and accurate without moving parts. In some cases, demultiplexing embodiments may include optical filter cavities that include filter baffles and support baffles which may be configured to minimize stray light signal detection and crosstalk. Some of the demultiplexing assembly embodiments may also be configured to efficiently detect U.V. light signals and at least partially compensate for variations in detector responsivity as a function of light signal wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventor: Jamie Knapp
  • Publication number: 20130327942
    Abstract: A multi-band imaging spectrometer and method of remote hydrocarbon gas detection using the spectrometer. One example of the multi-band imaging spectrometer includes a front objective optical system, and an optical spectrometer sub-system including a diffraction grating, the optical spectrometer sub-system configured to receive and collimate an input beam from the objective optical system to provide a collimated beam at the diffraction grating, the diffraction grating configured to disperse the collimated beam into at least two spectral bands. The spectrometer also includes a single entrance slit positioned between the objective optical system and the optical spectrometer sub-system and configured to direct the input beam from the objective optical system to the optical spectrometer sub-system, and a single focal plane array optically coupled to the diffraction grating and configured to produce an image from the at least two spectral bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Silny
  • Publication number: 20130256533
    Abstract: An efficient method for the extraction of hemodynamic responses in Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) systems is proposed to increase the spatial and temporal resolution without hardware overhead. The performance improvement is attributed to high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) receivers, a modulation scheme, and a Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) based data extraction algorithm. The proposed system shows an over 2× increment in the figure of merit (FOM) compared to conventional designs. Experimental results support the validity of the proposed system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
  • Publication number: 20130234028
    Abstract: A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 ?m and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 ?m, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 8519336
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor module having reduced noise, improved detection precision, and reduced manufacture cost. The infrared sensor includes a first substrate transmitting infrared light including at least one reduced-pressure and sealed cavity, at least one infrared sensing unit provided on the side of the first substrate, and at least one infrared sensing unit generating an output change. The infrared sensor includes a second substrate stacked on the first substrate with a recess, a reflection face capable of reflecting the infrared light, and at least one arithmetic circuit for amplifying or integrating an output, arranged in such a manner that the reflection face is sandwiched between the at least one sensing unit and the least one arithmetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ohhira, Fumiji Aita, Yutaka Koyama, Sho Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8507859
    Abstract: Provided is an optical arrangement of the infrared camera comprising a lens unit in which a lens is supported by a frame body, an infrared detector module in which an infrared detector for detecting amount of an infrared ray transmitted through the lens as a heat and converting the infrared rays to an image signal is sealed in a housing having a window portion, and a shutter provided between the lens and the infrared detector module. A detector surface of the infrared detector, the window portion, the shutter, and the lens are arranged such that an inclination angle of a virtual straight line which connects each corner portion of the detector surface, the window portion and a maximum aperture of the shutter, and edge portion of an effective lens area of a lens closest to the shutter against to an optical axis is 25° to 35°, is adopted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Tamron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Koide
  • Patent number: 8487260
    Abstract: The invention provides a sensor including a first sensor element formed in a first substrate and at least one optical element formed in a second substrate, the first and second substrates being configured relative to one another such that the second substrate forms a cap over the first sensor element, the at least one optical element being configured to guide incident radiation on the cap to the first sensor element. The sensor also includes a reference sensor element whose output can be used to reference the output of the first sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Lane, Eamon Hynes, Edward John Coyne
  • Publication number: 20130175449
    Abstract: The infrared detector includes a sensitive retina capable of detecting a radiation in the wavelength range between 8 and 14 micrometers; and a package containing the sensitive retina and including a window located opposite to the retina, said window comprising a substrate at least partially transparent in the wavelength range between 2 and 14 micrometers; and a set of optical filters formed on the window to attenuate an incident radiation on the retina in a wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and respectively an optical filter formed on a first surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a first interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and a periodic diffraction grating formed on a second surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a second interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, different from the first interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ULIS
    Inventor: ULIS