Patents by Inventor Piero Giorgio Fallica

Piero Giorgio Fallica has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9658158
    Abstract: A diagnostic device includes a photodiode formed by a body of semiconductor material having a first surface, an integrated optical structure on the first surface and having a second surface, and at least one detection region on the second surface. The at least one detection region includes at least one receptor that binds to a corresponding target molecule that can be mated with a corresponding marker, which, when excited by radiation having a first wavelength, emits radiation having a second wavelength that can be detected by the photodiode. The integrated optical structure includes at least a first layer of a first material having a first refractive index. The first layer has a thickness substantially equal to an integer and odd multiple of one fourth of the first wavelength divided by the first refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Carmen Galati, Natalia Maria Rita Spinella, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 9209336
    Abstract: An embodiment of array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type and housing an anode region, of a second conductivity type, facing a top surface of the body, a cathode-contact region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, facing a bottom surface of the body, an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the anode region and the cathode-contact region. The insulation region is formed by a first mirror region of polycrystalline silicon, a second mirror region of metal material, and a channel-stopper region of dielectric material, surrounding the first and second mirror regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 8975607
    Abstract: A confocal optical detector including a light source generating a first optical beam along an axis; an optoelectronic sensor; an optical focusing device, which receives and focuses the first optical beam; and a hole, which receives the first optical beam and is arranged between the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device. The optoelectronic sensor is arranged between the light source and the hole. In addition, the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device are aligned along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Galati, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Publication number: 20140252524
    Abstract: An embodiment of array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type and housing an anode region, of a second conductivity type, facing a top surface of the body, a cathode-contact region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, facing a bottom surface of the body, an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the anode region and the cathode-contact region. The insulation region is formed by a first mirror region of polycrystalline silicon, a second mirror region of metal material, and a channel-stopper region of dielectric material, surrounding the first and second mirror regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato SANFILIPPO, Piero Giorgio FALLICA
  • Patent number: 8778721
    Abstract: An embodiment of array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type and housing an anode region, of a second conductivity type, facing a top surface of the body, a cathode-contact region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, facing a bottom surface of the body, an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the anode region and the cathode-contact region. The insulation region is formed by a first mirror region of polycrystalline silicon, a second mirror region of metal material, and a channel-stopper region of dielectric material, surrounding the first and second mirror regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Publication number: 20130330836
    Abstract: A diagnostic device includes a photodiode (2) formed by a body (10) of semiconductor material having a first surface (6a), an integrated optical structure (30) on the first surface and having a second surface (34a), and at least one detection region (50) on the second surface. The at least one detection region includes at least one receptor (52) that binds to a corresponding target molecule (MB) that can be mated with a corresponding marker (54), which, when excited by radiation having a first wavelength (?e), emits radiation having a second wavelength (?f) that can be detected by the photodiode. The integrated optical structure includes at least a first layer (34, 62) of a first material having a first refractive index (n1). The first layer has a thickness substantially equal to an integer and odd multiple of one fourth of the first wavelength (?e) divided by the first refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Carmen Galati, Natalia Maria Rita Spinella, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 8574945
    Abstract: An embodiment of an array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type, housing a first cathode region, of the second conductivity type, and facing a surface of the body, an anode region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, extending inside the body, and facing the surface laterally to the first cathode region and at a distance therefrom, and an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the first cathode region and the anode region. The insulation region is formed by a mirror region of metal material, a channel-stopper region having the second conductivity type, surrounding the mirror region, and a coating region, of dielectric material, arranged between the mirror region and the channel-stopper region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Emilio Antonio Sciacca, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Salvatore Antonio Lombardo
  • Patent number: 8476730
    Abstract: An embodiment of a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode, having: a body made of semiconductor material of a first type of conductivity, provided with a first surface and a second surface and forming a cathode region; and an anode region of a second type of conductivity, extending inside the body on top of the cathode region and facing the first surface. The photodiode moreover has: a buried region of the second type of conductivity, extending inside the body and surrounding an internal region of the body, which extends underneath the anode region and includes the internal region and defines a vertical quenching resistor; a sinker region extending through the body starting from the first surface and in direct contact with the buried region; and a contact region made of conductive material, overlying the first surface and in direct contact with the sinker region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Massimo Cataldo Mazzillo, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 8471293
    Abstract: An embodiment of an array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type, housing a first cathode region, of the second conductivity type, and facing a surface of the body, an anode region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, extending inside the body, and facing the surface laterally to the first cathode region and at a distance therefrom, and an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the first cathode region and the anode region. The insulation region is formed by a mirror region of metal material, a channel-stopper region having the second conductivity type, surrounding the mirror region, and a coating region, of dielectric material, arranged between the mirror region and the channel-stopper region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Emilio Antonio Sciacca, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Salvatore Antonio Lombardo
  • Publication number: 20120248347
    Abstract: A confocal optical detector including a light source generating a first optical beam along an axis; an optoelectronic sensor; an optical focusing device, which receives and focuses the first optical beam; and a hole, which receives the first optical beam and is arranged between the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device. The optoelectronic sensor is arranged between the light source and the hole. In addition, the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device are aligned along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Galati, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 8183655
    Abstract: A radiation detector of the ?E-E type is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Valvo, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Stefano Agosteo, Alberto Fazzi
  • Publication number: 20120024389
    Abstract: An integrated electromagnetic actuator comprising: a first structural layer; a flexible membrane, extending over the first structural layer and comprising regions of ferromagnetic material; a chamber, delimited between the first structural layer and the flexible membrane; a winding, comprising a plurality of turns of conductive material and extending within the first structural layer; and a core element made of ferromagnetic material, extending within the first structural layer, inside the winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Galati, Natalia Maria Rita Spinella, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Publication number: 20120009722
    Abstract: An embodiment of an array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type, housing a first cathode region, of the second conductivity type, and facing a surface of the body, an anode region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, extending inside the body, and facing the surface laterally to the first cathode region and at a distance therefrom, and an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the first cathode region and the anode region. The insulation region is formed by a mirror region of metal material, a channel-stopper region having the second conductivity type, surrounding the mirror region, and a coating region, of dielectric material, arranged between the mirror region and the channel-stopper region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: DELFO NUNZIATO SANFILIPPO, EMILIO ANTONIO SCIACCA, PIERO GIORGIO FALLICA, SALVATORE ANTONIO LOMBARDO
  • Patent number: 7898008
    Abstract: A bipolar device is integrated in an active layer, wherein delimitation trenches surround respective active areas housing bipolar transistors of complementary types. Each active area accommodates a buried layer; a well region extending on top of the buried layer; a top sinker region extending between the surface of the device and the well region; a buried collector region extending on top of the well region and laterally with respect to the top sinker region; a base region, extending on top of the buried collector region laterally with respect to the top sinker region; and an emitter region extending inside the base region. The homologous regions of the complementary transistors have a similar doping level, being obtained by ion-implantation of epitaxial layers wherein the concentration of dopant added during the growth is very low, possibly zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Piero Giorgio Fallica, Roberto Modica
  • Patent number: 7847360
    Abstract: A radiation detector of the ?E-E type is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppina Valvo, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Stefano Agosteo, Alberto Fazzi
  • Publication number: 20100271108
    Abstract: An embodiment of a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode, having: a body made of semiconductor material of a first type of conductivity, provided with a first surface and a second surface and forming a cathode region; and an anode region of a second type of conductivity, extending inside the body on top of the cathode region and facing the first surface. The photodiode moreover has: a buried region of the second type of conductivity, extending inside the body and surrounding an internal region of the body, which extends underneath the anode region and includes the internal region and defines a vertical quenching resistor; a sinker region extending through the body starting from the first surface and in direct contact with the buried region; and a contact region made of conductive material, overlying the first surface and in direct contact with the sinker region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato SANFILIPPO, Massimo Cataldo Mazzillo, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Publication number: 20100148079
    Abstract: A radiation detector of the ?E-E type is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics. S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe VALVO, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Stefano Agosteo, Alberto Fazzi
  • Publication number: 20100140489
    Abstract: A radiation detector of the ?E-E type is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppina Valvo, Piero Giorgio Fallica, Stefano Agosteo, Alberto Fazzi
  • Publication number: 20090184384
    Abstract: An embodiment of array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type and housing an anode region, of a second conductivity type, facing a top surface of the body, a cathode-contact region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, facing a bottom surface of the body, an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the anode region and the cathode-contact region. The insulation region is formed by a first mirror region of polycrystalline silicon, a second mirror region of metal material, and a channel-stopper region of dielectric material, surrounding the first and second mirror regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato Sanfilippo, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Publication number: 20090184317
    Abstract: An embodiment of an array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type, housing a first cathode region, of the second conductivity type, and facing a surface of the body, an anode region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, extending inside the body, and facing the surface laterally to the first cathode region and at a distance therefrom, and an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the first cathode region and the anode region. The insulation region is formed by a mirror region of metal material, a channel-stopper region having the second conductivity type, surrounding the mirror region, and a coating region, of dielectric material, arranged between the mirror region and the channel-stopper region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Delfo Nunziato SANFILIPPO, Emilio Antonio SCIACCA, Piero Giorgio FALLICA, Salvatore Antonio LOMBARDO