Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide, from data from a single sensor, high-resolution imagery at a first frame rate, such as typical video frame rate, and lower-resolution imagery at a second frame rate, which is higher than the first rate. In one embodiment, the first frame rate data can be viewed by a user and the second frame rate data can be processed to identify an event of interest, such as pulsed light.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a circuit comprises a Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) configured to receive a current pulse at an input and convert the current pulse to a voltage step. The voltage step is directed to a first signal path and a second signal path. When the voltage step exceeds a first threshold, the first signal path directs an enable pulse to the second signal path. The second signal path generates an output pulse when the voltage step exceeds a second threshold and the enable pulse is enabled. The second signal path comprises a first, a second, and a third amplifier to increase detection of the voltage step by the second signal path.

Abstract: A method for ranging or targets may include transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target. The method may also include generating a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating transmission of the pulse of electromagnetic energy. Additionally, the method may include detecting a reflection of the pulse from the target. Moreover, the method may include generating a second signal indicating detection of the reflection. The method may further include generating a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay. The method may also include sampling the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide, from data from a single sensor, high-resolution imagery at a first frame rate, such as typical video frame rate, and lower-resolution imagery at a second frame rate, which is higher than the first rate. In one embodiment, the first frame rate data can be viewed by a user and the second frame rate data can be processed to identify an event of interest, such as pulsed light.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a circuit comprises a Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) configured to receive a current pulse at an input and convert the current pulse to a voltage step. The voltage step is directed to a first signal path and a second signal path. When the voltage step exceeds a first threshold, the first signal path directs an enable pulse to the second signal path. The second signal path generates an output pulse when the voltage step exceeds a second threshold and the enable pulse is enabled. The second signal path comprises a first, a second, and a third amplifier to increase detection of the voltage step by the second signal path.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a circuit comprises a Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) configured to receive a current pulse at an input and convert the current pulse to a voltage step. The voltage step is directed to a first signal path and a second signal path. When the voltage step exceeds a first threshold, the first signal path directs an enable pulse to the second signal path. The second signal path generates an output pulse when the voltage step exceeds a second threshold and the enable pulse is enabled. The second signal path comprises a first, a second, and a third amplifier to increase detection of the voltage step by the second signal path.

Abstract: A method for ranging or targets may include transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target. The method may also include generating a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating transmission of the pulse of electromagnetic energy. Additionally, the method may include detecting a reflection of the pulse from the target. Moreover, the method may include generating a second signal indicating detection of the reflection. The method may further include generating a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay. The method may also include sampling the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.

Abstract: A differential amplifier topology includes circuitry to create a higher bandwidth output using less current than an existing Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) using an all Field Effect Transistor (FET) circuit design. A bipolar npn emitter follower in the circuit topology provides low output impedance and some degree of output inductive peaking, and the CTIA differential output is buffered by the bipolar npn emitter follower in the CTIA feedback loop such as the open-loop high voltage gain is maintained without being affected by output loads.

Abstract: A differential amplifier topology includes circuitry to create a higher bandwidth output using less current than an existing Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) using an all Field Effect Transistor (FET) circuit design. A bipolar npn emitter follower in the circuit topology provides low output impedance and some degree of output inductive peaking, and the CTIA differential output is buffered by the bipolar npn emitter follower in the CTIA feedback loop such as the open-loop high voltage gain is maintained without being affected by output loads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a LADAR system and a method for operating same. The LADAR system includes circuitry for generating the electrical signal with an optical signal detector using N discrete samples; a bank of M parallel sample/hold circuit unit cells individual ones of which operate with an associated sample/hold clock, where each sample/hold clock is shifted in time by a fixed or programmable amount ?t relative to a sample/hold clock of an adjacent sample/hold circuit unit cell; and further includes circuitry for sequentially coupling a sampled value of the electrical signal from a first output of individual ones of at least some of the M parallel sample/hold circuit unit cells to an analog to digital converter circuit. Each of the M parallel sample/hold circuit unit cells has a second output for outputting a digital signal for indicating the state (low or high) during a time that the associated sample/hold clock allowing for time of arrival determination.

Abstract: A detector with a transistor sensitive to electromagnetic energy. In accordance with the present teachings, the transistor is biased such that the output thereof is responsive to the electromagnetic energy. The inventive imager includes an array of the novel detectors. Each of the detectors being an n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor transistor with a floating body. The transistors are biased for selective activation and sequential readout. The transistor outputs are read by a differential current sense amplifier. A color filter is disclosed to provide a color sense capability. As an alternative, a grating is provided for this purpose. The present invention allows a very dense imager to be built on using conventional silicon on sapphire or silicon on insulator complementary metal-oxide semiconductor processes. The use of standard CMOS processes allows for low manufacturing costs.