Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a coherent light generator, imaging optics and a detection system. The coherent light generator is configured to generate squeezed light. The imaging optics is arranged to direct the squeezed light from the coherent light generator onto a target object and to receive squeezed light reflected by the target object. The detection system includes a local oscillator configured to generate un-squeezed light at a same frequency and phase as the squeezed light, a combiner arranged to combine the received squeezed light from the imaging optics and the un-squeezed light from the local oscillator to provide combined light, and a detector arranged to receive and detect the combined light.

Abstract: A unit pixel of an image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a mode control unit, a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit. The photoelectric conversion unit generates photo-charges in response to incident light and provides the photo-charges to a first node. The mode control unit prevents the photo-charges from being discharged from the first node in a first operation mode, and generates a sensing current by discharging the photo-charges and generates a sensing voltage proportional to the sensing current in a second operation mode. The first signal generation unit generates an analog signal based on an amount of the photo-charges accumulated in the first node in the first operation mode. The second signal generation unit generates an on signal and an off signal based on a change of the sensing voltage in the second operation mode. The unit pixel provides various sensing outputs effectively.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises a pixel region in which unit pixels are disposed, a floating diffusion portion which converts signal charges into voltage signals, an output line on which a signal based on a voltage at the floating diffusion portion is output, and a switching unit that switches between a first readout mode, in which all of the signal charges from the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions are transferred to the floating diffusion portion and read out from the output line, and a second readout mode, in which the signal charges from the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions are transferred at least one at a time to the floating diffusion portion and read out from the output line independently, wherein the switching unit switches the readout mode based on a dark current amount.

Abstract: An image sensor, in particular a CMOS image sensor, for electronic cameras includes a plurality of light-sensitive pixels arranged in rows and columns for generating exposure-dependent pixel signals. A plurality of column lines, at least one precharge circuit for charging or discharging the column lines and at least one column readout circuit for reading out the pixel signals of the respective column are associated with a respective column. The image sensor has at least one switching device which is adapted to couple, in a first switch state, one of the column lines of a respective column to the precharge circuit and another one of the column lines of the respective column to the column readout circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for passive detection of wide-spectral-band laser emissions. One method includes receiving optical energy from an emission source at a surface of an object, transmitting the received optical energy through the surface using a detection patch coupled to the surface, the detection patch incorporating an exterior terminating end of each of one or more of a plurality of optical fibers embedded in a casting, transmitting the optical energy to a light sensor using a light pipe coupled to interior terminating ends of the one or more optical fibers, and analyzing, by operation of a computer, the optical energy received at the light sensor.

Abstract: A laser apparatus comprising an aperture module array including two or more aperture modules, each aperture module of the array being optically couple-able to a source of coherent electromagnetic radiation and configured to emit a beam of radiation received from the source. The apparatus emits a composite beam comprising beams emitted by the respective aperture modules and modulates at least one of the beams in power and phase relative to at least one other of the beams such that a desired non-uniform composite beam profile is provided.

Abstract: An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.

Abstract: A scanning system can include an illuminator, configured to produce an illuminating beam, and a fixation unit, configured to mechanically support a sample to be measured within the illuminating beam. The illuminating beam can reflect off the sample to produce reflected light. The system can further include a sensor, positioned angularly away from the illuminator, configured to receive the reflected light. The illuminating beam can include a wavelength spectrum having a FWHM less than 100 nm. In some examples, the fixation unit can be positioned based, in part, on a position of the illuminator and the sensor. In some examples, the sensor can include at least one imaging element that produces an image of the sample. In some examples, the illuminating beam can include a calibration pattern. In some examples, the illuminating beam and the reflected light can be angularly separated between ten degrees and fifteen degrees.

Abstract: A switch which reduces the voltage between the photocathode and the first dynode in the activated switching state compared to the deactivated switching state and a control unit which is adapted to move a target spot, which can be illuminated by means of the light source, over a scanning field by means of a deflecting unit. The control unit activates the switch when the target spot enters a given region of the scanning field and deactivates the switch when the target spot exits the region.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include image sensors having image pixel arrays with image pixels arranged in pixel rows and pixel columns. Each pixel column may be coupled to a column line having column readout circuitry and column power control circuitry that selectively enables or disables the column readout circuitry for various column lines. The column power control circuitry and the column readout circuitry may be coupled to column decoder circuitry. The column decoder circuitry may provide a column address signals to the power control and the readout circuitry. The power control circuitry may enable only column lines for which column addresses have been received.

Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror system is provided. The electro-optic rearview mirror system includes an inside electro-optic rearview mirror element and an outside electro-optic rearview mirror element in series with the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element. A drive circuit is in electrical communication with the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element and the outside electro-optic rearview mirror element and includes a first power operational amplifier and a second power operational amplifier, both of which are configured as voltage followers. The drive circuit is configured to apply overvoltage to the inside electro-optic rearview mirror element if the outside electro-optic rearview mirror element is shorted.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, and first transistors fewer than the number of the plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels each includes a photodiode and an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit holds the accumulated charge and includes at least a second transistor electrically connected to a cathode of the photodiode. The cathode of the photodiode in the pixel in an n-th row and the cathode of the photodiode in the pixel in an (n+1)-th row are electrically connected to the first transistor. The number n is a natural number. The pixel in the n-th row and the pixel in the (n+1)-th row are in an identical column.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for capturing images of skin topology having an upper surface providing a platen, and a one or two-dimensional array of light sensing pixel elements for receiving light representative of the topology of skin when upon the upper surface and illuminated by at least redirected ambient light received within the sensor through the upper surface. One or more layers or coatings of reflective or scattering materials are provided in the sensor for redirecting ambient light by one or more of reflection, scattering, or propagation towards the platen to illuminate the skin. The pixel elements are sensitive to one or more selected wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the ambient light present. Optional light source(s) may be provided for use when ambient light present is inadequate for proper sensor operation.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display. The display may have a central active area and a peripheral inactive area. A cover layer such as a layer of cover glass may be used to cover the display. The inner surface of the cover layer in the inactive area may be coated with an opaque masking layer such as black ink. Light for an ambient light sensor or other component may pass through an opening in the black ink. A layer of ink or other structures may be mounted within the opening to serve as a filter structure. A light diffusing structure such as a clear member with a textured surface may be used to diffuse light that is passing through the opening in the black ink and the filter to the light sensor. Integral filter-diffuser structures and structures with concave surfaces for focusing incoming light onto the light sensor may be used.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for high voltage and/or high frequency modulation. In one aspect, an optoelectronic modulation system includes an array of two or more photoconductive switch units each including a wide bandgap photoconductive material coupled between a first electrode and a second electrode, a light source optically coupled to the WBGP material of each photoconductive switch unit via a light path, in which the light path splits into multiple light paths to optically interface with each WBGP material, such that a time delay of emitted light exists along each subsequent split light path, and in which the WBGP material conducts an electrical signal when a light signal is transmitted to the WBGP material, and an output to transmit the electrical signal conducted by each photoconductive switch unit. The time delay of the photons emitted through the light path is substantially equivalent to the time delay of the electrical signal.

Abstract: An image sensor may include an array of photodiodes and readout circuitry. A group of adjacent photodiodes in the array may be covered with a first color filter element that transmits a first color light and an additional group of adjacent photodiodes may be covered with a second color filter element that transmits a second color light. The group of photodiodes may share a floating diffusion node. The array may be operable in a low resolution mode in which the readout circuitry reads out image signals corresponding to a sum of charges generated by the group of photodiodes and in a high resolution mode in which the readout circuitry reads out image signals corresponding to charges generated by each of the photodiodes from the shared floating diffusion node. The photodiodes in the group may capture charge using different integration times for generating high-dynamic-range images.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel array, an image sensor including the same, and a method of driving the same. In a WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) pixel employing a storage region (FD node) including a varactor, a reset voltage, which is less than a voltage applied to a reset transistor according to the related art, that is, a partial reset voltage is applied to the reset transistor to read out a reset signal level for a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) operation, thereby adjusting the operating voltage range of the storage region. The operating voltage range of the storage region is shifted into a range suitable for remarkably varying the capacitance of the varactor, thereby expanding the dynamic range.

Abstract: An auto-darkening filter of a welding shield has a brightness-sensing unit, an optical shutter and a processor. The brightness-sensing unit generates a first signal or a second signal. In a high-sensitivity mode, the processor controls the optical shutter to operate in a dark state or a bright state depending on intensity of the first signal being higher or lower than a threshold value. In a low-sensitivity mode, the processor controls the optical shutter to operate in the bright state when intensity of the second signal is lower than the threshold value, and automatically change to the high-sensitivity mode from the low-sensitivity mode when intensity of the second signal is higher than the threshold value.

Abstract: Mutual alignment between a condenser lens and its power generating element can be performed easily and accurately. This method for producing a concentrator photovoltaic unit includes: a first step of emitting linear laser beams respectively toward incident positions 42 on an incident surface 13f1; and a second step of performing positional adjustment between a Fresnel lens 13f and a power generating element part 21, based on positional relationship between the power generating element part 21 and beam images respectively formed by the linear laser beams at a time when the beam images and the power generating element part 21 are seen along an optical axis S from the incident surface 13f1 side of the Fresnel lens 13f.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus is configured to transmit pulses into a detection zone after one another in different directions which follow one another in a scanning direction over a scanning angle, to receive the radiation of the transmitted pulses returning from the detection zone, to generate a received signal with respect to each transmitted pulse, said received signal depending on the variation with time of the returning radiation of the transmitted pulse, and to average the received signals of a group of transmitted pulses to generate an averaged received signal. The angular extent relating to the scanning angle of at least one transmitted pulse of the group at a spacing from the detection apparatus disposed within the detection zone is at most 25 times the size of the angular spacing relating to the scanning angle between two transmitted pulses of the group directly adjacent one another in the scanning direction.