Abstract: There is provided a back side illuminated semiconductor structure with a semiconductor capacitor connected to a floating diffusion node in which the semiconductor capacitor for reducing a dimension of the floating diffusion node is provided above the floating diffusion node so as to eliminate the influence thereto by incident light and enhance the light absorption efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inspecting cooling holes in a wall of a combustor of a gas turbine engine are disclosed. An exemplary method disclosed may comprise: heating the wall of the combustor; directing a flow of cooling fluid through the one or more cooling holes in the wall of the combustor while the wall is being heated; acquiring a first measurement indicative of a flow rate of the cooling fluid through the one or more cooling holes; and acquiring a second measurement indicative of a cooling effectiveness provided by the cooling fluid flowing through the one or more cooling holes at the flow rate.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for addition of a blending stock to a fuel stock flowing through a line in order to blend up the fuel stock, and/or to blend up a heel material contained in a tank to which the blended product is to be delivered. The actual volatility of the blended product flowing through the line is monitored using an automated volatility analyzer. The blending stock is added to the fuel stock in the line at a blending rate which is automatically controlled by comparing the measured actual volatility value to either a target volatility value for the blended product or a modified target volatility value which can be implemented for the purpose of also blending up a tank heel.

Abstract: A sensor for venous networks of a part of a living body, having an infrared illumination source, a waveguide illuminated by the infrared illumination source and having, on one face, at least one extraction zone intended to extract the infrared rays from the waveguide in at least one main extraction direction, an image acquisition means disposed opposite the one face so as to define between them a passage through the entrance of which the part of the living body can enter, and having a sensitive element, the or each extraction zone being such that the or each main extraction direction of the extraction zone oriented so as not to intercept the sensitive element.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide techniques for detecting differences and/or changes in biological and non-biological material using infrared imaging. Aspects of the disclosure are useful for monitoring and evaluating synthetic scaffolds and engineered tissue and organs for tissue engineering and transplantation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for improving the performance of systems for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Embodiments of the systems and methods include the fabrication and use of coupling tapers to provide efficient transfer of THz radiation between a photomixer and a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode. A representative system comprises of a photomixer to convert high-frequency components of an optical pump signal into corresponding electrical THz frequencies, a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode, and a matching taper that effectively converts the highly localized currents generated by the photomixer to the mode supported by the waveguide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an object. A first optical signal having a first frequency is transmitted to a location on a surface of a ground. A second optical signal having a second frequency is transmitted to the location on the surface of the ground such that the first optical signal and the second optical signal overlap each other at the location on the surface of the ground. The overlap of the first optical signal and the second optical signal at the location generates a third optical signal having a difference frequency that is a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. The third optical signal is configured to travel into the ground. A response to the third optical signal is detected. A determination is made as to whether an object is present in the ground using the response to the third optical signal.

Abstract: An aperture array structure used in a method of measuring characteristics of a specimen by applying an electromagnetic wave to an aperture array structure on which the specimen is held, and detecting frequency characteristics of the electromagnetic wave scattered by the aperture array structure. The aperture array structure includes a first principal surface, a second principal surface opposed to the first principal surface, and a plurality of apertures extending through the aperture array structure in a direction perpendicular to the first principal surface and the second principal surface. An opening area of each aperture at the first principal surface is smaller than an opening area of each aperture at the second principal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring polysorbates, such as polysorbate 80, using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).

Abstract: Provided is an imaging system, including: a light source; an imaging device; a first optical system for irradiating an imaging object with light from the light source; a second optical system for causing one of light reflected from the imaging object and light transmitted through the imaging object to enter the imaging device; a control device for controlling the light source to irradiate the light with a predetermined period; and a processing device for acquiring time-series image data over a plurality of frames by controlling the light source to irradiate the light with the predetermined period, and allocating a maximum pixel intensity among the time-series pixel data of each pixel as pixel data of the each pixel to thereby obtain first image data when the light source irradiates the light.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a solar cell string 8 including solar cell modules 1 connected in series and each configured to generate DC power by being irradiated with light; and a junction box 2 configured to receive the DC power from the solar cell string are included. The junction box includes: a DC detector 10 configured to detect a current flowing through the solar cell string; a measurement device 11 configured to measure a current value of the current detected by the DC detector; and a data transmitter 12 configured to send the current value measured by the measurement device.

Abstract: Turbine blade tip clearance is measured in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting a contact or non-contact displacement probe on a turbine blade that generates data indicative of probe distance from the turbine casing that circumferentially surrounds the blade. Variations in probe distance data are recorded as the blade circumferentially sweeps the turbine casing when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the distance and rotational position data with localized blade tip gap at angular positions about the turbine casing circumference. An optical camera inspection system may be coupled to a turbine blade to obtain visual inspection information within the turbine casing. This method and apparatus provide an accurate and cost effective solution for accessing turbine casing deformation impact on blade tip clearance and rotor/casing alignment.

Abstract: A method for measuring the distribution of the thickness of glass in glass containers at a high temperature comprises: selecting at least one inspection area of the containers, so that the thickness relationship of the glass as a function of the infrared radiation intensity is homogeneous over the whole inspection area, measuring, for each inspection area the glass thickness of the container in at least one movement point belonging to the inspection area, by means of a contactless point-like thickness measurement system, measuring by means of a sensor sensitive to infrared radiation, which is emitted by the container, determining, for each inspection area, a relationship between the measurement of the thickness taken at the measurement point and the infrared radiation, and from the relationship and the relevant infrared radiation of each inspection area, determining the glass distribution of the container over each inspection area.

Abstract: A human body detector is disclosed. The human body detector comprises an infrared sensor which detects a light amount change of infrared rays which enter from a detection target area, and a controller which determines the presence or absence of a human body in the detection target area according to the light amount change of the infrared rays. The infrared sensor is configured to detect the light amount change of the infrared rays which enter from a plurality of cell sections which are formed by dividing the detection target area, and the controller is configured to identify an outer peripheral area and an inside area, and determine the presence and absence of the human body in the detection target area.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting presence and motion includes a housing, a first infrared (“IR”) sensor, and a second IR sensor. The housing includes a first corner having a first plurality of openings formed thereon, and a second corner having a second plurality of openings formed thereon. The first IR sensor is disposed proximate to the first corner and has an unobstructed path and line of sight to outside of the electronic device via the first plurality of openings. The second IR sensor is disposed proximate to the second corner and has an unobstructed path and line of sight to outside of the electronic device via the second plurality of openings. The openings of the first plurality of openings are oriented toward the first IR sensor in different directions. The openings of the second plurality of openings are oriented toward the second IR sensor in different directions.

Abstract: A gas sample separated from transformer oil is circulated through an NDIR gas sensor system which obtains an acetylene concentration by calculating a detected acetylene concentration obtained by an absorption biased (“AB”) NDIR acetylene gas sensor, calculating a detected carbon dioxide concentration obtained by an AB NDIR carbon dioxide gas sensor, calculating a detected water vapor concentration obtained by an AB NDIR water vapor NDIR gas sensor and then determining the acetylene concentration from the detected acetylene concentration through use of the detected carbon dioxide and water vapor concentrations to compensate for their interference.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing reference signals to image detectors in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. For example, in one or more embodiments, switched capacitors may be used to provide bias voltages to individual unit cells of a focal plane array such that the bias voltages are held by the unit cells over one or more integration periods while the unit cells are decoupled from an input line. As a result, the bias voltages may be free from noise incident on the input line and thus may more accurately bias the individual unit cells.

Abstract: A multiple field-of-view telescope and optical sensor system and imaging methods using the system. In one example, an optical sensor system includes a primary imaging detector having a first field of view, a telescope configured to receive and focus electromagnetic radiation onto the primary imaging detector along a primary optical axis, a secondary detector having a second field of view different from the first field of view, and relay optics configured to direct and focus a portion of the electromagnetic radiation onto the secondary detector. In certain examples, the system further includes a fold mirror positioned to reflect the portion of the electromagnetic radiation to the relay optics.

Abstract: A method and a system for scanning a time delay between a first ultrafast optical pulse of duration shorter than 10 ps and a second ultrafast optical pulse of duration shorter than 10 ps, wherein the second ultrafast pulse is submitted to an acousto-optic Bragg diffraction by an acoustic pulse in the bulk of an acousto-optic material and the delay scanning is produced by time variation of the acoustic pulse in the material.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods that allow a LIDAR system to sense nearby objects with relatively low-cost elements, and fewer elements than traditional LIDAR systems by sampling an infrared pulse at a high sample rate and storing the samples in the analog domain. The samples may then be digitized at a rate slower than the sample rate.

Abstract: A system simultaneously tracks multiple objects. All or a subset of the objects includes a wireless receiver and a transmitter for providing an output. The system includes one or more wireless transmitters that send commands to the wireless receivers of the multiple objects instructing different subsets of the multiple objects to output (via their respective transmitter) at different times. The system also includes object sensors that receive output from the transmitters of the multiple objects and a computer system in communication with the object sensors. The computer system calculates locations of the multiple objects based on the sensed output from the multiple objects.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for measuring thermal radiation in one mode of the present invention is used for detecting thermal radiation of an object 12 to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, said sensor controlling if an electrical device is on or off, wherein said PIR sensor has at least two sensor elements, each having a lens focusing IR onto them, control electronics comprising of at least one processing unit and one memory, wherein the at least two sensors cover adjacent cover areas, wherein information of detected presence from said at least two sensor elements are used to decrease false triggers by using the time period between subsequent presence detections, and identification of each of said at least two PIR sensor elements.

Abstract: A terahertz detection assembly generally has a light generating apparatus configured to generate at least one illuminating light pattern and a substrate member positioned proximate to the light generating apparatus. The substrate member includes a semiconductive portion configured to receive at least a portion of the illuminating light pattern such that a conductive path is defined within the semiconductive portion. At least one waveguide is coupled to the semiconductive portion such that the waveguide is adjacent to the conductive path. The waveguide is configured to receive at least a portion of the illuminating light pattern such that the pattern is moving along the waveguide. The waveguide is further configured to receive a plurality of terahertz electromagnetic waves that are transmitted within the waveguide in the same direction as the motion of the illuminating light pattern to facilitate the detection and characterization of the terahertz electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: An apparatus including a detector comprising a microbolometer, and a power converter operably connected to the detector and a power source. Also a method of operating a detector in a hazardous environment, the method including the steps of providing a detector comprising a microbolometer, a power source, and a power converter operably connected to the detector and the power source; supplying power from the power source to an input of the power converter; converting the power using the power converter to produce an output power; and supplying the output power to the detector.

Abstract: A general problem occurs when there are multiple High Energy Laser (HEL) systems designed to shoot down threat targets (e.g., rockets, artillery, and mortar (RAM), and unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and vehicles (UAVs)) in scenarios where there are multiple, simultaneous, impending threat targets. To achieve the highest target kill ratio or highest protection force efficiency, the HEL systems need to be independently allocated to unique threat targets at each specific time, such that the case where two or more HEL systems are shooting at the same target is avoided (referred to as “target deconfliction”). The present disclosure teaches an all electro optical (EO) solution that exploits the use and affects of the HELs focused on targets and, thus, eliminates the need for any battle management (BM) and command and control (C2) systems that are currently conventionally used for target deconfliction.

Abstract: A device (100) is described for actively or passively modulating incident radiation, the device comprising at least one diffraction means (10) adapted for evanescent wave excitation upon irradiation with the incident radiation, and an absorption layer (40) adjacent the at least one diffraction means (10) so that the evanescent waves can interact with the absorption layer (40). The absorption layer (40) has alterable absorption properties so as to alter the absorption of the evanescent waves resulting in modulating of the incident radiation. The device (100) may be for actively modulating incident radiation thus being e.g. a modulator for laser radiation. Alternatively, the device may be for passively modulating incident radiation, thus acting as a sensing device for sensing environmental parameters.

Abstract: A system for proximity detection includes a first sensor and a second sensor each including a sensor housing and a pixel array each configured to detect infrared radiation emitted in a predetermined temperature range, and generate a detection signal. A processor in communication with the first and second sensor is configured to receive detection signals to derive parameters of the detected object including object distance from the sensors, size, position relative to the sensors, object speed, and direction of motion.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation sensor includes an ultraviolet pass filter. A first photodiode senses light passing through the ultraviolet pass filter and provides an indication of ultraviolet light. A second photodiode provides an indication of infrared radiation. A correction circuit corrects the indication of ultraviolet light sensed by the first photodiode using the indication of infrared to account for infrared radiation that passes through the ultraviolet pass filter. Additional photodiodes may be used to correct for leakage current in the first and second photodiodes and stray infrared radiation that may affect the output of the first and second photodiodes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for determining positioning information of a mobile device using modulated light signals. A modulated light signal may be received from each of at least one light source. Each modulated light signal may be decoded to obtain identification information identifying the at least one light source. An angle of arrival of each modulated light signal may also be identified. Each angle of arrival of may be associated with an identified light source.

Abstract: A pixel circuit may include a detection circuit having first and second transistors coupled in series between differential output nodes of an antenna. The antenna may be configured to be sensitive to terahertz radiation. The pixel circuit may also include a capacitor coupled to an intermediate node between the first and second transistors, and control circuitry coupled to control nodes of the first and second transistors. The control circuitry may be configured for selectively applying to the control nodes a gate biasing voltage for biasing the control nodes of the first and second transistors during a detection phase of the pixel circuit, and/or a reset voltage for resetting a voltage stored by the capacitor.

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.

Abstract: A non-destructive approach for the 3D localization of buried hot spots in electronic device architectures by use of Lock-in Thermography (LIT). The 3D analysis is based on the principles of thermal wave propagation through different material layers and the resulting phase shift/thermal time delay. With more complex multi level stacked die architectures it is necessary to acquire multiple LIT results at different excitation frequencies for precise hot spot depth localization. Additionally, the use of multiple time-resolved thermal waveforms, measured in a minimized field of view on top of the hot spot location, can be used to speed up the data acquisition. The shape of the resulting waveforms can be analyzed to further increase the detection accuracy and confidence level.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels. A readout circuit is coupled to the pixel array. A controller circuit is coupled to control the pixel array and is coupled to the readout circuit to receive array data from the pixel array. The controller circuit includes a mode control logic unit providing logic which when executed causes the image sensor operate in an idle mode of operation and then sample in response to receiving an event signal array data received from the pixel array in a pulsed mode of operation. A pattern in the array data samples over time is recognized and a mode of operation is selected in response to the recognized pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining at least one parameter relating to the shape of the sausage, which is transported on a transport device, in particular between two circulating means of transport. A measuring device has at least one distance sensor, which is disposed in such a way that said sensor can detect a distance c to a sausage that is being transported. Furthermore, an evaluation device is provided, which determines at least one parameter relating to the sausage as a function of the distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a passive range finding proximity detector include a sensor element configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by objects within a detection area. The sensor is configured to detect the temperature, relative size, relative distance, speed or direction of movement of an object from the sensor. The sensor is configured to set parameters for a controlled object based upon the detected size, temperature and/or proximity, speed or direction of an object in relation to one or more size thresholds, temperature thresholds, and/or proximity, speed or direction thresholds.

Abstract: Methods and systems may include a system including a first passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a first edge and a second passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a second edge that is substantially parallel to the first edge. The first and second edges can define a virtual beam. The system may also include logic to receive signals from the first and second passive motion sensors and determine a gait velocity and level of activity based on the signals from the first and second passive motion sensors.

Abstract: A method of nondestructive evaluation and related system. The method includes arranging a test piece (14) having an internal passage (18) and an external surface (15) and a thermal calibrator (12) within a field of view (42) of an infrared sensor (44); generating a flow (16) of fluid characterized by a fluid temperature; exposing the test piece internal passage (18) and the thermal calibrator (12) to fluid from the flow (16); capturing infrared emission information of the test piece external surface (15) and of the thermal calibrator (12) simultaneously using the infrared sensor (44), wherein the test piece infrared emission information includes emission intensity information, and wherein the thermal calibrator infrared emission information includes a reference emission intensity associated with the fluid temperature; and normalizing the test piece emission intensity information against the reference emission intensity.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: The present invention includes a slanted periodically poled device 12 including a light input surface 12a and a light output surface 12b parallel to each other and a terahertz wave input surface 12c orthogonal to the light input surface 12a and the light output surface 12b, a pump beam source 14 which emits pump beam 1 perpendicularly to the light input surface 12a, and a photodetector 16 which detects an up-conversion signal beam A converted from a terahertz wave 3 emitted perpendicularly from the light output surface 12b. The slanted periodically poled device 12 is configured to generate the up-conversion signal beam A in the same direction as and in parallel with the pump beam 1 by quasi phase matching between the terahertz wave 3 perpendicularly incident from the terahertz wave input surface 12c and the pump beam 1.

Abstract: Described herein is a gas meter system (5) for detecting toxic gas combinations including a housing (10) having an opening (20), a measuring cell (15) enclosed by the housing and comprising a plurality of gas sensors (17) in fluid communication with the environment via the opening in the housing, and an evaluating circuit (32). The gas sensors detects a concentration of a first gas and a concentration of a second gas so the evaluating circuit can identify a hazard due to an additive or synergistic toxic effect upon combined exposure to the first gas and the second gas. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nonlinearity artifacts in an IR imaging system applies a non-linear correcting function to signals received from a microbolometer. The non-linear correcting function can be a second-order polynomial, a third-order polynomial, some other formula, or a table from which corrections can be interpolated. In embodiments, the correcting function is automatically adjusted according to an ambient temperature measurement, to which a non-linear correction can be applied, either in a separate step or as an adjustment to the correcting function applied to the microbolometer signals.

Abstract: Techniques for using small parallax angles in remote sensing to determine cloud feature height include exploiting two identical medium-resolution SWIR bands with parallax to estimate cloud edge feature heights well enough to enable assessments of the impacts of shadows and proximate cloud scattering on ground illumination, and hence, on reflectance calculations. The bands are intentionally designed to have a suitable parallax angle, in one embodiment approximately 1.5 degrees. With this parallax, one band will see more ground pixels than the other band as they encounter a leading edge of a cloud and the other band will see more ground pixels than the one band as they encounter the lagging edge of the cloud. From these numbers of pixels, the height of the leading and lagging edges of the cloud can be determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to IR photodetectors with gain resulting from the positioning of a charge multiplication layer (CML) between the cathode and the IR sensitizing layer of the photodetector, where accumulating charge at the CML reduces the energy difference between the cathode and the CML to promote injection of electrons that result in gain for an electron only device. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to inclusion of the IR photodetectors with gain into an IR-to-visible up-conversion device that can be used in night vision and other applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving outputs from multiple photodetectors, calculating a first ratio between first and second such outputs, calculating a second ratio between the first output and a difference corresponding to a flicker noise component obtained from the second output, and determining a contribution from multiple illumination types based at least in part on the first and second ratios. The method may also include obtaining multiple correction coefficients based at least in part on the determined contribution, and in turn determining an ambient light type present in proximity to the photodetectors using the correction coefficients and the first and second outputs.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) temperature measurement and stabilization systems, and methods related thereto are provided. The innovation actively stabilizes temperatures of objects in proximity and within the path between an infrared (IR) sensor and target object. A temperature monitor and controller are employed to regulate power to resistive temperature devices (RTDs) thereby regulating current (and power) to the RTDs. As a result, temperatures of IR visible objects can be actively stabilized for changes, for example, changes in ambient temperatures, resulting in efficient and accurate temperature readings.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a real-time location of an object or person in a facility using low frequency magnetic induction positioning is disclosed herein. Each of the plurality of low frequency receivers is configured to receive a signal packet from a low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter, decode the signal packet, and estimate a distance from the low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter to the low-frequency receiver based on the decoded signal packet.

Abstract: Excitation light of two wavelengths is incident to an optical crystal from a first face side, and a terahertz wave THzb is generated from a second face, and the excitation light that has passed through the optical crystal is reflected, made incident to the optical crystal from the second face side, and a terahertz wave THza is generated from the first face. Terahertz waves with similar characteristics to each other are thereby generated reliably in plural directions.

Abstract: An image sensor system using offset analog to digital converters. The analog to digital converters require a plurality of clock cycles to carry out the actual conversion. These conversions are offset in time from one another, so that at each clock cycle, new data is available. A CMOS image sensor converts successive analog signals, representing at least a portion of an image, into successive digital signals using an analog to digital circuit block. Multiple clock cycles may be used by the circuit block to fully convert an analog signal into a corresponding digital signal. The conversion of one analog signal into a corresponding digital signal by the circuit block may be offset in time and partially overlapping with the conversion of a successive analog signal into its corresponding successive digital signal by the circuit block.