Abstract: Light detecting structures comprising a Si base having a pyramidal shape with a wide incoming light-facing pyramid bottom and a narrower pyramid top and a Ge photodiode formed on the Si pyramid top, wherein the Ge photodiode is operable to detect light in the short wavelength infrared range, and methods for forming such structures. A light detecting structure as above may be repeated spatially and fabricated in the form of a focal plane array of Ge photodetectors on silicon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging in the short wave infrared (SWIR), photodetectors with low dark current and associated circuits for reducing dark currents and methods for generating image information based on data of a photodetector array. A SWIR imaging system may include a pulsed illumination source operative to emit radiation pulses in the SWIR band towards a target resulting in reflected radiation from the target; (b) an imaging receiver including a plurality of Ge PDs operative to detect the reflected SWIR radiation and a controller, operative to control activation of the receiver for an integration time during which the accumulated dark current noise does not exceed the time independent readout noise.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging in the short wave infrared (SWIR), photodetectors with low dark current and associated circuits for reducing dark currents and methods for generating image information based on data of a photodetector array. A SWIR imaging system may include a pulsed illumination source operative to emit radiation pulses in the SWIR band towards a target resulting in reflected radiation from the target; (b) an imaging receiver including a plurality of Ge PDs operative to detect the reflected SWIR radiation and a controller, operative to control activation of the receiver for an integration time during which the accumulated dark current noise does not exceed the time independent readout noise.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging in the short wave infrared (SWIR), photodetectors with low dark current and associated circuits for reducing dark currents and methods for generating image information based on data of a photodetector array. A SWIR imaging system may include a pulsed illumination source operative to emit radiation pulses in the SWIR band towards a target resulting in reflected radiation from the target; (b) an imaging receiver including a plurality of Ge PDs operative to detect the reflected SWIR radiation and a controller, operative to control activation of the receiver for an integration time during which the accumulated dark current noise does not exceed the time independent readout noise.

Abstract: Light detecting structures comprising a Si base having a pyramidal shape with a wide incoming light-facing pyramid bottom and a narrower pyramid top and a Ge photodiode formed on the Si pyramid top, wherein the Ge photodiode is operable to detect light in the short wavelength infrared range, and methods for forming such structures. A light detecting structure as above may be repeated spatially and fabricated in the form of a focal plane array of Ge photodetectors on silicon.

Abstract: Focal plane arrays (FPAs) of plasmonic enhanced pyramidal silicon Schottky photodetectors (PDs) operative in the short wave infrared (SWIR) regime, and imaging systems combining such FPAs with active illumination sources and readout integrated circuit (ROIC). Such imaging systems enable imaging in the SWIR regime using inexpensive silicon detector arrays, specifically in vehicular environments in which such an imaging system may be mounted on a vehicle and image various moving and stationary targets.

Abstract: An active imaging system comprising an illumination source for emitting a radiation pulse towards a target resulting in radiation reflected from the target, a receiver comprising one or more germanium photodiodes for receiving the reflected radiation, and a method for using same.

Abstract: An active imaging system comprising an illumination source for emitting a radiation pulse towards a target resulting in radiation reflected from the target, a receiver comprising one or more germanium photodiodes for receiving the reflected radiation, and a method for using same.

Abstract: Light detecting structures comprising a Si base having a pyramidal shape with a wide incoming light-facing pyramid bottom and a narrower pyramid top and a Ge photodiode formed on the Si pyramid top, wherein the Ge photodiode is operable to detect light in the short wavelength infrared range, and methods for forming such structures. A light detecting structure as above may be repeated spatially and fabricated in the form of a focal plane array of Ge photodetectors on silicon.

Abstract: Light detecting structures comprising germanium (Ge) photodiodes formed in a device layer of a germanium on-insulator (GeOI) wafer, focal planes arrays based on such Ge photodiodes (PDs) and methods for fabricating such Ge photodiodes and focal plane arrays (FPAs). An FPA includes a Ge-on-GeOI PD array bonded to a ROIC where the handle layer of the GeOI layer is removed. The GeOI insulator properties and thickness can be designed to improve light coupling into the PDs.

Abstract: Photodetectors comprising a P type Ge region having a first region thickness and a first doping concentration and a N type GaAs region having a second region thickness and a second doping concentration smaller than the first doping concentration by at least one order of magnitude.

Abstract: Focusing modules and methods are provided, which use a spatial light modulator (SLM) configured to yield a circumferentially sinusoidal pattern to derive focusing signals. For example, the SLM may comprise an optical chopper wheel made of a glass disc with a circumferentially sinusoidal pattern. The circumferentially sinusoidal pattern simplifies phase derivation from the focusing signal, providing a faster and more accurate estimation of defocusing. Signal detection may be carried out by a diode array that provides a more accurate signal faster, as well as a more differentiated analysis of the focusing signal than the one available by current technology.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.