Abstract: A system for remote detection of fluid leaks from a natural gas or oil pipeline including a laser light source for detecting a methane leak while sweeping in multiple directions, a Midwave Infrared (MWIR) detector optically coupled with the laser light source and a controller operatively connected to the laser light source and the MWIR detector for aggregating data collected by the laser light source and the MWIR using a nuropmophic flow detection algorithm including computational fluid dynamic models.

Abstract: A pixel system for an imaging device can include one or more pixels comprising a pulse trigger assembly configured to detect a pulse at one or more threshold voltages, a timer system forming part of and/or connected to the one or more pixels, the timer system comprising one or more trigger switches. The pulse trigger assembly can be configured to activate the one or more trigger switches in response to detecting the pulse at the one or more threshold values. The pixel system can include a time-of-flight (TOF) module operatively connected to the one or more pixels and/or the timer system to determine a TOF based on an output from the timer system while simultaneously performing either or both passive imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detection.

Abstract: A system includes a pixel including a diffusion layer in contact with an absorption layer. A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) is electrically connected to the diffusion layer. An overflow contact is in electrical communication with the TCO. The overflow contact can be spaced apart laterally from the diffusion layer. The pixel can be one of a plurality of similar pixels arranged in a grid pattern, wherein each pixel has a respective overflow contact, forming an overflow contact grid offset from the grid pattern.

Abstract: A system includes a pixel including a diffusion layer in contact with an absorption layer. The diffusion layer and absorption layer are in contact with one another along an interface that is inside of a mesa. A trench is defined in the absorption layer surrounding the mesa. An overflow contact is seated in the trench.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of passive imaging pixels and a plurality of time of flight (TOF) imaging pixels. A method of imaging includes collecting passive imaging data from a sensor array and collecting time of flight (TOF) imaging data from the sensor array. Collecting passive imaging data and collecting TOF imaging data can be performed at least partially at the same time and along a single optical axis without parallax.

Abstract: A laser alignment arrangement includes a first stage configured to structurally support a laser at a first longitudinal position of the laser, the first stage being configured to adjust the first longitudinal position of the laser in at least one direction orthogonal to an axis of the laser, and a second stage configured to structurally support the laser at a second longitudinal position of the laser, the second stage being configured to adjust the second longitudinal position of the laser in at least one direction orthogonal to the axis of the laser.

Abstract: A pixel includes a constant current source electrically connected to a first node. An integrating capacitor is electrically connected between the first node and a ground. A sampling transistor is electrically connected between the first node and a second node. A photodiode is electrically connected between a base terminal of the sampling transistor and the ground for switching electrical connectivity through the sampling transistor in response to radiation incident on the photodiode.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of passive imaging pixels and a plurality of time of flight (TOF) imaging pixels. A method of imaging includes collecting passive imaging data from a sensor array and collecting time of flight (TOF) imaging data from the sensor array. Collecting passive imaging data and collecting TOF imaging data can be performed at least partially at the same time and along a single optical axis without parallax.

Abstract: An imaging system and a method of imaging are provided. The imaging system includes a single optics module configured for focusing light reflected or emanated from a dynamic scene in the infrared spectrum and a synchronous focal plane array for receiving the focused light and acquiring infrared images having a high spatial resolution and a low temporal resolution from the received focused light. The imaging system further includes an asynchronous neuromorphic vision system configured for receiving the focused light and acquiring neuromorphic event data having a high temporal resolution, and a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) configured to readout both the infrared images and event data.

Abstract: A method includes forming an assembly of layers including an InP cap layer on an InGaAs absorption region layer, wherein the InGaAs layer is on an n-InP layer, and wherein an underlying substrate layer underlies the n-InP layer. The method includes removing a portion of the InP cap and n-InP layer by dry etching.

Abstract: A photodiode has an absorption layer and a cap layer operatively connected to the absorption layer. A pixel is formed in the cap layer and extends into the absorption layer to receive charge generated from photons therefrom. The pixel defines an annular diffused area to reduce dark current and capacitance. A photodetector includes the photodiode. The photodiode includes an array of pixels formed in the cap layer. At least one of the pixels extends into the absorption layer to receive charge generated from photons therefrom. At least one of the pixels defines an annular diffused area to reduce dark current and capacitance.

Abstract: A method of assembling a photodetector assembly includes depositing bumps on a read out integrated circuit (ROIC) without depositing bumps on a photodiode array (PDA). The method includes assembling the PDA and ROIC together wherein each bump electrically interconnects the ROIC with a respective contact of the PDA. A photodetector assembly includes a PDA. A ROIC is assembled to the PDA, wherein the ROIC is electrically interconnected with the PDA through a plurality of electrically conductive bumps. Each bump is confined within a respective pocket between the ROIC and a respective contact of the PDA. The disclosed methods can enable focal plane array manufacturers to achieve low-cost production of ultra-fine pitch, large format imaging arrays.

Abstract: A pixel output processing circuit of a focal plane array (FPA) having a plurality of laser range finding pixels (LRF) is provided. The respective LRF pixels output a high frequency analog signal in response to sensing a reflected laser pulse. The pixel output processing circuit includes a common net and a detection circuit. The common net is connected to a amplifying transistor of each of the LRF pixels for receiving analog signals output from the respective LRF pixels. The detection circuit is coupled to the common net and outputs a pulse flag in response to detecting that a high frequency analog signal has been received by the common net.

Abstract: A method of navigating an autonomous vehicle includes receiving pulsed illumination from an object in the vehicle environment and decoding the pulsed illumination. The object is identified using the decoded pulsed illumination of the pulsed illumination, and the autonomous vehicle navigated through the vehicle environment based on the identification of the object. Obstacle avoidance methods and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles are also described.

Abstract: A method of determining the composition of a polymeric body includes applying electromagnetic radiation to the polymeric body, modulating the electromagnetic radiation using a tagant disposed within a polymer composition forming the polymeric body, and receiving the modulated electromagnetic radiation from the tagant at an infrared detector. The electromagnetic radiation received from the tagant has a signature corresponding to the polymer composition forming the polymeric body. A method of making a polymeric body and system for determining composition of a polymeric body are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming bump structures for interconnecting components includes applying an insulating layer over a device substrate, coating the insulating layer with a dielectric material layer, forming a pattern with photolithography on the dielectric material layer, etching the dielectric material layer to transfer the pattern to the insulating layer, etching the insulating layer to form pockets in the insulating layer following the pattern, applying photolithography to and etching the dielectric material layer to reduce overhang of the dielectric material layer relative to the insulating layer, removing material from top and side walls of the pockets in the insulating layer, and depositing electrically conductive bump material in the pattern so a respective bump is formed in each pocket.

Abstract: A method of focusing an imaging device includes acquiring an image. A determination is made whether contrast difference between a pixel and one or more adjacent pixels is likely due to noise, or whether the contrast difference is due to the image being out-of-focus. Focus of the imaging device is when the contrast difference is due to the image being out-of-focus while contrast difference determined to likely be due to noise is ignored.

Abstract: A method of assembling a photodetector assembly includes depositing bumps on a read out integrated circuit (ROIC) without depositing bumps on a photodiode array (PDA). The method includes assembling the PDA and ROIC together wherein each bump electrically interconnects the ROIC with a respective contact of the PDA. A photodetector assembly includes a PDA. A ROIC is assembled to the PDA, wherein the ROIC is electrically interconnected with the PDA through a plurality of electrically conductive bumps. Each bump is confined within a respective pocket between the ROIC and a respective contact of the PDA. The disclosed methods can enable focal plane array manufacturers to achieve low-cost production of ultra-fine pitch, large format imaging arrays.

Abstract: A method of image enhancement includes constructing an input histogram corresponding to an input image received at a focal plane array. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a first band of the input histogram starting from a zero value and ending at a division value representing a pixel bin value where a predetermined fraction of the input histogram by pixel hound is reached to produce a first portion of an equalization curve. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a second band of the input histogram starting from the division value and ending at a pixel bin value where all of the input histogram by pixel count is reached to produce a second portion of the equalization curve. The method includes applying the equalization curve to the input image to produce a corresponding enhanced image.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instructions for performing a method that includes locating a pulsing laser on an imaging array, defining a sub-region array smaller than the imaging array based on a location of the located pulsing laser such that the pulsing laser is at least partly within the sub-region, and sampling the sub-region array at a sub-region sampling rate that is higher than a remainder region sampling rate.