Abstract: An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device, imaging cell of the imaging and ALPD device and method of use is disclosed. A detector generates an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal. A first detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a first frequency range, and a second detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a second frequency range. The first detection/readout circuit allows the electrical signal to pass from the first detection/readout circuit to the second detection/readout circuit.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a light sensor, a pulse detection imaging (PDI) circuit, and an image processing unit. The light sensor generates one or both of an image signal and a pulse signal. The pulse PDI circuit includes a first terminal in signal communication with the light sensor to receive one or both of the image signal and the pulse signal and a second terminal in signal communication with a voltage source. The image processing unit is in signal communication with the PDI circuit to receive one or both of the image signal and the pulse signal and to simultaneously perform imagery and pulse detection based on the image signal and the pulse signal, respectively.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image detector that includes an array of digital pixels, each digital pixel including an output that provides a digital pixel output pulse each time a charge stored in the digital pixel exceeds a threshold and a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) connected to the output of each of the digital pixels to receive the digital pixel output pulse from each pixel, the ROIC including a plurality of accumulators, each of the plurality of accumulators associated with a respective digital pixel. The imaging device also includes a controller that reads the accumulators to determine a number of digital pixel output pulses stored by the accumulators without stopping the generation of digital pixel output pulses.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image detector that includes an array of digital pixels, each digital pixel including an output that provides a digital pixel output pulse each time a charge stored in the digital pixel exceeds a threshold and a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) connected to the output of each of the digital pixels to receive the digital pixel output pulse from each pixel, the ROIC including a plurality of accumulators, each of the plurality of accumulators associated with a respective digital pixel. The imaging device also includes a controller that reads the accumulators to determine a number of digital pixel output pulses stored by the accumulators without stopping the generation of digital pixel output pulses.

Abstract: A unit cell of a focal plane array (FPA) is provided. The unit cell includes a first layer having a first absorption coefficient. The first layer is configured to: sense a first portion of a polarized light of an incident light having a first portion and a second portion, convert the first sensed portion of incident light into a first electrical signal, and pass through a second portion of the incident light. Further, the unit cell includes a second layer having a second absorption coefficient and positioned adjacent to the first layer and configured to receive the second portion of the incident light. The second layer is configured to convert the second portion of the incident light to a second electrical signal. Also, the unit cell includes a readout integrated circuit positioned adjacent to the second layer and configured to receive the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A unit cell of a focal plane array (FPA) is provided. The unit cell includes a first layer having a first absorption coefficient. The first layer is configured to: sense a first portion of a polarized light of an incident light having a first portion and a second portion, convert the first sensed portion of incident light into a first electrical signal, and pass through a second portion of the incident light. Further, the unit cell includes a second layer having a second absorption coefficient and positioned adjacent to the first layer and configured to receive the second portion of the incident light. The second layer is configured to convert the second portion of the incident light to a second electrical signal. Also, the unit cell includes a readout integrated circuit positioned adjacent to the second layer and configured to receive the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a light sensor, a pulse detection imaging (PDI) circuit, and an image processing unit. The light sensor generates one or both of an image signal and a pulse signal. The pulse PDI circuit includes a first terminal in signal communication with the light sensor to receive one or both of the image signal and the pulse signal and a second terminal in signal communication with a voltage source. The image processing unit is in signal communication with the PDI circuit to receive one or both of the image signal and the pulse signal and to simultaneously perform imagery and pulse detection based on the image signal and the pulse signal, respectively.

Abstract: An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device, imaging cell of the imaging and ALPD device and method of use is disclosed. A detector generates an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal. A first detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a first frequency range, and a second detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a second frequency range. The first detection/readout circuit allows the electrical signal to pass from the first detection/readout circuit to the second detection/readout circuit.

Abstract: A digital pixel circuit includes a unit cell configured to accumulate an electrical charge during a frame. The electrical charge is proportional to a light intensity of a light signal that is detected at a location in a field of view of the unit cell. An image processing unit is in signal communication with the unit cell. The image processing unit is configured to determine a total charge based on a plurality of accumulated charges over a plurality of sequential frames, and to determine an indication of the light intensity of light at the location based on the total charge. The unit cell is configured to operate in a first mode to accumulate the electrical charges over the plurality of sequential frames, and a second mode to perform a calibration operation that calibrates the unit cell based on the electrical charge accumulated during a single frame among the plurality of frames.

Abstract: A digital pixel circuit includes a unit cell configured to accumulate an electrical charge during a frame. The electrical charge is proportional to a light intensity of a light signal that is detected at a location in a field of view of the unit cell. An image processing unit is in signal communication with the unit cell. The image processing unit is configured to determine a total charge based on a plurality of accumulated charges over a plurality of sequential frames, and to determine an indication of the light intensity of light at the location based on the total charge. The unit cell is configured to operate in a first mode to accumulate the electrical charges over the plurality of sequential frames, and a second mode to perform a calibration operation that calibrates the unit cell based on the electrical charge accumulated during a single frame among the plurality of frames.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image detector that includes an array of digital pixels, each digital pixel including an output that provides a digital pixel output pulse each time a charge stored in the digital pixel exceeds a threshold and a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) connected to the output of each of the digital pixels to receive the digital pixel output pulse from each pixel, the ROIC including a plurality of accumulators, each of the plurality of accumulators associated with a respective digital pixel. The imaging device also includes a controller that reads the accumulators to determine a number of digital pixel output pulses stored by the accumulators without stopping the generation of digital pixel output pulses.

Abstract: A circuit for readout from for readout from a focal plane array having a number of pixels, includes, for each one pixel, an adaptive photodetector load circuit coupled to a detector for the one pixel, a trans-impedance amplifier, the detector being AC coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier, a comparator component, receiving an AC coupled output of the trans-impedance amplifier and comparing the AC coupled output to a predetermined threshold, a sample and hold ring comprising a number charge storage components connected in parallel, each one charge storage component comprising a capacitor in series with an enabling three point switching component and a pulse detection logic circuit receiving an output of the comparator component.

Abstract: A multiple-beam triangulation-based range finder can direct multiple beams onto a sample from different orientations. The range finder can use a quadrant detector to detect light from the multiple beams that is reflected from the sample. The range finder generates a trigger signal when the target is a specified distance from the range finder. In some examples, two or more of the multiple beams are directed onto the sample simultaneously, where the beams are modulated at different frequencies and the signals from the quadrant detector are analyzed at the respective frequencies. In some examples, two or more of the multiple beams are directed onto the sample in succession, where the signals from the quadrant detector are analyzed in respective time windows. Using multiple beams with the quadrant detector can increase robustness against relative tilt of the sample with respect to the range finder.

Abstract: A circuit for readout from for readout from a focal plane array having a number of pixels, includes, for each one pixel, an adaptive photodetector load circuit coupled to a detector for the one pixel, a trans-impedance amplifier, the detector being AC coupled to the trans-impedance amplifier, a comparator component, receiving an AC coupled output of the trans-impedance amplifier and comparing the AC coupled output to a predetermined threshold, a sample and hold ring comprising a number charge storage components connected in parallel, each one charge storage component comprising a capacitor in series with an enabling three point switching component and a pulse detection logic circuit receiving an output of the comparator component.

Abstract: A multiple-beam triangulation-based range finder can direct multiple beams onto a sample from different orientations. The range finder can use a quadrant detector to detect light from the multiple beams that is reflected from the sample. The range finder generates a trigger signal when the target is a specified distance from the range finder. In some examples, two or more of the multiple beams are directed onto the sample simultaneously, where the beams are modulated at different frequencies and the signals from the quadrant detector are analyzed at the respective frequencies. In some examples, two or more of the multiple beams are directed onto the sample in succession, where the signals from the quadrant detector are analyzed in respective time windows. Using multiple beams with the quadrant detector can increase robustness against relative tilt of the sample with respect to the range finder.