Abstract: Various implementations of an apparatus for sensing one or more parameters are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a sweeping wavelength laser configured to generate a sweeping wavelength optical signal; an optical fiber including a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) structure configured to sense a parameter, wherein the optical fiber is configured to receive the sweeping wavelength optical signal, wherein the FBG structure is configured to produce a reflected optical signal with a particular wavelength in response to the sweeping wavelength optical signal, and wherein the particular wavelength varies as a function of the parameter; a photo detector configured to generate an electrical signal based on the reflected optical signal; a comparator configured to generate a pulse based on a comparison of the electrical signal to a threshold; and a processor configured to generate an indication of the parameter based on the pulse. The comparator may be configured as a Schmitt trigger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser assembly (100) having a laser (L) for generating primary laser pulses (1), beam splitting optics (15) for splitting a primary laser pulse into a plurality of temporally staggered sub-pulses, and having focusing optics (17-19) for focusing the sub-pulses in or on an object (20) so that every sub-pulse is focused in a separate focus volume (F). The invention is characterized in that the mutual spatial and/or temporal relationship of the focus volumes (F) of the sub-pulses originating from a common primary laser pulse is variably adjustable. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A light source array used in illumination portions for optical encoders comprising an illumination portion, a scale grating extending along a measuring direction and receiving light from the illumination portion, and a detector configuration. The light source array comprises individual sources arranged in a grid pattern and coinciding with two transverse sets of parallel grid pattern lines that have two different grid line pitches between their parallel lines. Different instances of the light source array may be mounted with different rotational orientations about an axis normal to the grid pattern, for use in different illumination portions adapted for use with respective scale gratings having different grating pitches along the measuring axis direction. By using the different respective rotational orientations, the individual sources are aligned along respective illumination source lines that are spaced apart by different respective illumination source line pitches along the measuring axis direction.

Abstract: An image sensor controls the gain of a pixel signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis and extends a dynamic range while maintaining a S/N ratio at a favorable level. A column unit in an image sensor is independently detects a level of each pixel signal and independently sets a gain for level of the signal. A photoelectric converting region unit has pixels arranged two-dimensionally with a vertical signal line for each pixel column to output each pixel signal. The column unit is on an output side of the vertical signal line. The column unit for each pixel column has a pixel signal level detecting circuit, a programmable gain control, a sample and hold (S/H) circuit. Gain correction is performed according to a result of a detected level of the pixel signal.

Abstract: Expansion of the dynamic range was difficult in conventional amplifying photoelectric conversion devices designed to have a large gain because, when used for high input light intensity, the electric current exceeds the electric current capacity of a near-minimum sized transistor obtained with the design rules. Also, in conventional photoelectric conversion devices, techniques for varying the electric signal outputs in real-time at the device level are necessary for real-time import of observation targets or images having a high contrast ratio and for visualization of local areas in real-time. In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a gain varying method, a variable gain photoelectric conversion device, a photoelectric conversion cell, a photoelectric conversion array, a read-out method thereof, and a circuit therefor in which amplifying photoelectric conversion devices and field-effect transistors are combined.

Abstract: A device for color imaging including an optical sensor having light sensitive pixels with a metal film disposed over the light sensitive pixels. The metal film has a group of nano-holes arranged over the pixels according to a periodic lattice formation and is configured to pass light of a preselected first range of wavelengths. The group of nano-holes arranged over an adjoining group of pixels is configured to pass light having ranges of wavelengths different from the first range of wavelengths.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses that may be employed to reduce noise in an electronic circuit are described. Systems are provided that include a circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to provide an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. Methods for reducing circuit noise are also provided. The methods include providing a circuit configured to perform an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. The methods further provide that the active reset technique and the active column sensor readout technique are both performed by the circuit. An imaging apparatus is provided that includes an array of photo-sensitive pixels, wherein each of the pixels can include a circuit configured to provide an active reset technique and an active column sensor readout technique. The active reset technique and the active column sensor readout technique are executable on the circuit.

Abstract: A photocathode is formed on a monocrystalline silicon substrate having opposing illuminated (top) and output (bottom) surfaces. To prevent oxidation of the silicon, a thin (e.g., 1-5 nm) boron layer is disposed directly on the output surface using a process that minimizes oxidation and defects, and a low work-function material layer is then formed over the boron layer to enhance the emission of photoelectrons. The low work-function material includes an alkali metal (e.g., cesium) or an alkali metal oxide. An optional second boron layer is formed on the illuminated (top) surface, and an optional anti-reflective material layer is formed on the boron layer to enhance entry of photons into the silicon substrate. An optional external potential is generated between the opposing illuminated (top) and output (bottom) surfaces. The photocathode forms part of novel sensors and inspection systems.

Abstract: An image sensor with an organic photoelectric film for converting light into charge may be provided. The image sensor may include an array of image sensor pixels. Each image sensor pixel may include a charge-integrating pinned diode that collects photo-generated charge from the photoelectric film during an integration period. An anode electrode may be coupled to an n+ doped charge injection region in the charge-integrating pinned diode and may be used to convey the photo-generated charge from the photoelectric film to the charge-integrating pinned diode. Upon completion of a charge integration cycle, a first transfer transistor gate may be pulsed to move the charge from the charge-integrating pinned diode to a charge-storage pinned diode. The charge may be transferred from the charge-storage pinned diode to a floating diffusion node for readout by pulsing a gate of a second charge transfer transistor.

Abstract: Improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems according to certain example embodiments may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights or other windows having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells. Arrangements that involve lateral displacement tracking systems, or static systems (e.g., that are fixed at one, two, or more predefined positions) are contemplated herein. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity, providing for SHGC tuning.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion unit which converts light into signal charges; an accumulation unit which accumulates the signal charges; a transfer transistor connected between the photoelectric conversion unit and the accumulation unit for transferring to the accumulation unit, the signal charges obtained through the conversion by the photoelectric conversion unit; an amplification transistor for amplifying the signal charges accumulated in the accumulation unit to generate a voltage signal, the amplification transistor having a gate connected to the accumulation unit; a reset transistor for resetting a voltage of the accumulation unit; a first amplification circuit for negatively feeding back the voltage signal generated by the amplification transistor to the reset transistor; and a second amplification circuit for positively feeding back the voltage signal generated by the amplification transistor to the amplification transistor.

Abstract: Method for detecting pulsed laser radiation having two-dimensional resolution of the direction of incidence with a CCD sensor having an imaging optic. Method includes generating, in signal processing having sampling frequency of at least 5 kHz, single images by comparing each pixel of CCD sensor to respective threshold values and by storing a pixel value exceeding the respective threshold value for an image processing, ascertaining, in the signal processing, a mean or peak value of stored pixel values of the single image pixel-by-pixel over at least 10 samples, forwarding a signal image obtained in signal processing for image processing at image frequency of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and identifying from signal image, in an image processing, at least one signal pixel representing incident laser radiation. Method further includes determining direction of incidence of laser radiation from position of signal pixels on signal image.

Abstract: An imaging device including an electronic shutter and a pixel array with color pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged. The pixel array part has at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including at least two of (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics for red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak for blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak for green. The clear pixel has a high transmittance arranged in an oblique pixel array system at a given position of a given row and a given column with respect to the first color filter pixel, the second color filter pixel, and the third color filter pixel. An electronic shutter is separately driven for the at least one clear pixel and for the plurality of color filter pixels.

Abstract: A projection apparatus including a light source, a light valve, a light uniforming device, and a first curved-surface reflection device is provided. The light source provides an illumination beam. The light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam for converting the illumination beam into an image beam. The light valve has an active surface that substantially has a rectangular contour. The light uniforming device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve. The first curved-surface reflection device is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the light source and the light valve for reflecting the illumination beam to the light valve. A curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a first direction is not equal to a curvature of the first curved-surface reflection device along a second direction.

Abstract: Present embodiments provide for a mobile device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises five lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces, the refracting power of the lens elements and two parameters to meet an inequality associated with the thickness of the second lens element, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened.

Abstract: Multichannel RF Feedthroughs. In some examples, a multichannel RF feedthrough includes an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion includes a top surface on which first and second sets of traces are formed. Each set of traces is configured as an electrical communication channel to carry electrical data signals. The external portion includes a bottom surface on which the first set of traces is formed and a top surface on which the second set of traces is formed. A set of vias connects the first set of traces between the top surface of the internal portion and the bottom surface of the external portion.

Abstract: A self-resetting pixel having a memory element to record occurrence of an asynchronous pixel reset and circuitry to enable the memory element to be digitally sampled and cleared is disclosed, together with embodiments of digital image sensors formed by arrays or other collections of such pixels. By marking occurrence of asynchronous reset events within an in-pixel memory element that may be digitally oversampled during an exposure interval (i.e., repeatedly read-out in the form of, for example, a single-bit), it becomes possible to check for and detect asynchronous pixel reset events frequently and efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for capturing a laser beam, comprising a receiver unit having a housing with a front surface, along one side of which a measurement region capturing the laser beam that comprises a sensor associated therewith runs, and a mounting (24), which can be detachably connected to the housing and comprises a preferably polygonal column-shaped base body and clamping jaws (30, 32). To allow the receiver to be oriented with respect to both a horizontal laser beam and a laser beam that is inclined with respect to the horizontal, using the mounting that can be detachably connected to the housing, the base body has a trapezoidal geometry comprising an outer longitudinal lateral surface, along which outer surfaces of the clamping jaws (30, 32) run, which overall form a support surface of the mounting on a base when the housing is oriented at an incline with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: A quantum interference device includes: gaseous alkali metal atoms; and a light source for causing a resonant light pair having different frequencies that keep a frequency difference equivalent to an energy difference between two ground states of the alkali metal atoms, the quantum interference device causing the alkali metal atoms and the resonant light pair to interact each other to cause an electromagnetically induced transparency phenomenon (EIT), wherein there are a plurality of the resonant light pairs, and center frequencies of the respective resonant light pairs are different from one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to optically-tuned electronic components including one or more layers of photosensitive semiconductive materials. In some embodiments, an optically-tuned electronic component includes a plurality of device layers have different bandgap characteristics. One or more selected layers can be optically activated (i.e. made substantially conductive) by illuminating at least a portion of each selected layer with illumination having a wavelength shorter than or substantially equal to the activation wavelength of each selected layer. Accordingly, various parameters can be tuned or a circuit can be switched between alternative paths by providing one or more selected wavelengths of illumination.