Abstract: An image sensor for reducing a sampling time by shortening a stabilization duration is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel unit, a sampling unit sampling a signal from an output node of the pixel unit, a sinking unit sinking current from the output node of the pixel unit, and a current controller controlling the amount of current in the sinking unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging targets with an imaging reader. The method includes: (1) capturing return light from a target over a field of view of the solid-state imager and generating image data corresponding to the target; (2) transmitting the image data from the solid-state imager to the host when the gate circuit is set to the transmitting mode; and (3) preventing the image data from transmitting to the host when the gate circuit is set to the blocking mode.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensor capable of supporting a high speed operation. The image sensor includes a plurality of sampling units sampling a pixel signal to output a sampled signal pair; an auxiliary amplification unit amplifying a signal of the sampled signal pair; and an amplification unit sensing a differential signal pair transmitted through the auxiliary amplification unit to generate output data.

Abstract: There is provided an image sensor including a normal pixel group composed of a plurality of normal pixels, each of the normal pixels having a photoelectric conversion device for photoelectrically converting an incident light, and a detection pixel configured to detect a light incident from a neighboring pixel by the photoelectric conversion device within an effective pixel area of the normal pixel group.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a pixel generating a signal by photoelectric conversion, a comparator comparing the signal based on the pixel with a reference signal varied with time, a counter performing counting until the comparator outputs a signal indicating that a relationship in magnitude between the signal based on the pixel and the reference signal is reversed, and a control unit. The comparator includes a first amplifier receiving the reference signal at a first input portion and the signal based on the pixel at a second input portion to compare the signal based on the pixel with the reference signal. The control unit sets a bandwidth of the comparator to a first bandwidth when the reference signal varies at a first rate of change and to a second bandwidth when the reference signal varies at a second rate of change.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus includes: a detecting section, a scanning drive unit, switch units, reading circuits, and a controller. The controller controls at least the scanning drive unit and the reading circuits and causes the same to execute data readout process from the radiation detection elements. The controller causes the reading circuits to periodically perform a readout operation before radiation image capturing operation in a state where each of the switch units is in an off state by applying the off voltage to all of the scanning lines from the scanning drive unit, causes the reading circuits to repeatedly execute a leaked data readout process in which the electric charges leaked from the radiation detection elements through the switch units are converted into leaked data, and detects initiation of irradiation at a point when the read-out leaked data exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pixel includes at least two switches, each switch having a control terminal and first and second current carrying terminals. The control terminals of the first and second switches are commonly connected together. In accordance with another embodiment, a method for transferring charge from a first switch to a capacitance includes applying voltage to the commonly connected control terminals of the first and second switches.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical coupling device is provided. A first photodiode receives an optical signal generated by a light emitting element and converts the optical signal into a first electrical signal. A first inverting amplifier is provided with a first feedback resistor and a first operating amplifier connected in parallel with each other. The input end is connected to a cathode of the first photodiode. A first signal which is obtained by inverting the first electrical signal is output from the output end. A second inverting amplifier is provided with a second feedback resistor and a second operating amplifier connected in parallel with each other. The input end of the second inverting amplifier is connected to a cathode of a second photodiode. The second inverting amplifier outputs a second signal from the output end. A comparator receives the first and second signals and outputs a comparison amplified signal.

Abstract: A device for counting photons includes a detector unit that is configured to generate an detected signal. A switching unit is configured to be impinged upon by the detected signal and to trigger a switching state for each detection pulse so as to generate a state signal. A sampling unit is configured to sample the state signal at a predetermined sampling frequency. A serial-parallel converter unit is configured to parallelize the serially generated sampled data by grouping successive sampled data into a sampled data packet. An evaluation unit is configured to evaluate the binary values of sampled data packets so as to identify a partial counter result indicating the number of switching state changes occurring in the switching unit, and to add partial counter results identified in individual clock cycles.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject technology provide systems and methods for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal from a desired location on the surface of a photoconversion material by simply directing a laser beam or other energy beam to the desired location on the photoconversion material. In one aspect, the laser beam causes electrons in the photoconversion material to accelerate and emit the RF signal by forming a dead region on the photoconversion material that the electrons must flow around. In one aspect, the dead region has an asymmetrical shape to prevent a cancellation effect and produce a net positive RF signal. Various aspects of the subject technology also provide systems and methods for drawing a circuit element on the photoconversion material by tracing one or more dead regions on the photoconversion material with a laser beam or other energy beam to construct the circuit element.

Abstract: A submount is used for disposing an illuminant element or a light-receiving element having an optical axis. The submount is disposed at a plane and has a main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is approximately parallel to the plane and far away from the plane. The second surface is approximately parallel to the plane and adjacent to the plane. A disposing part of the first surface is tilted with respect to the second surface at a predetermined angle. The illuminant element or the light-receiving element is disposed on the disposing part. The optical axis of the illuminant element or the light-receiving element is tiled with respect to a normal of the second surface at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monofrequency optical filter, including reflective elements which are formed on one surface of a dielectric support layer and which define at least one periodic array of parallel grooves passing across same. The periodicity, height, and width of said periodic groove array are selected so as to form a structure, the wavelength of which can be selected from within a predetermined range of wavelengths. According to the invention, the thickness and refractive index of the support layer are selected so that said layer forms a half-wave plate for a wavelength of the predetermined wavelength range. The filter, when in contact with the surface of the support layer opposite the surface on which the groove array is formed, includes a medium, the refractive index of which is less than that of the support layer so as to obtain a guided mode that resonates in the support layer.

Abstract: Alight emitting device and a light receiving device are in a bare chip form and are a light emitting device of surface emitting type and a light receiving device of surface receiving type having an electrode on an opposite surface of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion respectively, the light emitting device, the light receiving device, and an optical waveguide are mounted on one surface of a flexible printed wiring board body, the light emitting portion of the light emitting device, an optical waveguide core, and the light receiving portion of the light receiving device are arranged substantially coaxially, and the light emitting device and the light receiving device are mounted in such a way that a light emitting/receiving direction is substantially 90° with respect to an orthogonal direction of a surface of the flexible printed wiring board body.

Abstract: An optical assembly is provided wherein the optical assembly includes a first optical element configured to receive light and alter a transmission path of the light through the first optical element in a first direction and a second direction, and a second optical element in optical communication with the first optical element, the second optical element configured to receive the light from the first optical element, and alter a transmission path of the light through the second optical element in the first and second directions, wherein the light is passed through the second optical element, such that a sensor receives light from a field of view that is approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees offset from a field of view of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to radiometers and related methods of use. In some aspects of the invention, methods are provided for determining a circumsolar profiles at external locations of interest, e.g., at a solar power generation system installation site.

Abstract: A method of configuring a time-of-flight positron emission tomography (PET) system includes determining a set of parameters of a detector of the PET system. Each parameter is configured to affect photon travel within the detector. The method further includes simulating operation of the detector to generate a photon detection timing data profile for a plurality of depth of interaction (DOI) positions within the detector via a simulation model of the detector configured in accordance with the set of parameters, and determining a time-of-flight correction factor for each DOI position of the plurality of DOI positions based on the simulated operation. The correction factor is indicative of a time offset of the photon detection timing data profile.

Abstract: A charged particle beam drawing apparatus calculates a pattern area density distribution by using a central processing unit, calculates a dose distribution by using the central processing unit, calculates an irradiation amount distribution by using the central processing unit, performs a convolution calculation of the irradiation amount distribution and a fogging charged particle distribution by using a high speed processing unit, a processing speed of the high speed processing unit being higher than a processing speed of the central processing unit, calculates an irradiation time by using the central processing unit, calculates an elapsed time by using the central processing unit, calculates an electrical charging amount distribution by using the central processing unit, and performs a convolution calculation of the electrical charging amount distribution and a position deviation response function by using the high speed processing unit.

Abstract: A device for use in a mass spectrometer allows an ion-optical assembly to be removed, cleaned and reinserted with relatively high positioning accuracy. In particular, the device obviates the need for complex adjustments requiring special knowledge after the reinsertion. The objective is achieved by an arrangement comprising a receptacle and a mount for a removable ion-optical assembly in a mass spectrometer. Favorable implementations provide a mount and a receptacle with three pairs of complementary support elements, the three support elements on the receptacle form a support plane, and, when the mount is inserted into the receptacle, at least two pairs of support elements are engaged and the mount is aligned with respect to the support plane with the aid of the third pair of support elements.

Abstract: An ion trap mass spectrometer and methods for obtaining a mass spectrum of ions by step scanning the driving frequency in frequency increments over a bandwidth, wherein for each step a specific frequency is held for a fixed number of complete cycles, wherein each specific frequency is changed continuously to the frequency in the next step, and wherein each specific frequency in each step starts at phase zero position.

Abstract: A glass ceramic including an alkali metal earth oxide, e.g. SrO suitable for overmolding a RF component provides a good RF response and good mechanical robustness. Specifically, SrO reduces the flow temperature of the ceramic while maintaining the RF and mechanical performance. The resulting glass formulation contains 10-50 mol % SrO, 5-30 mol % Al2O3, and 20-60 mol % B2O3.

Abstract: A unit which calculates a diameter of a throttle part of a valve and a diameter of an orifice from changes of vacuum degrees measured by vacuum gauges disposed in an ion source and a vacuum chamber having a mass analysis part in order to maintain a flow rate of reagent gas flowing in the ion source to be always fixed and changes vacuum degree in a reagent introduction part, the ion source or the vacuum chamber in order to correct difference from standard value is provided. A unit which measures discharge voltage, discharge current and plasma luminous intensity to grasp current situation in order to maintain plasma generation state in the ion source to be fixed and changes discharge condition such as discharge voltage in order to correct change part from standard value is provided.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate having a first layer and a second layer above the first layer. The first layer haw a plurality of first patterns, vias or contacts. The second layer has second patterns corresponding to the first patterns, vias or contacts. The second patterns have a plurality of in-plane offsets relative to the corresponding first patterns, vias or contacts. A scanning electron microscope is used to measure line edge roughness (LER) values of the second patterns. An overlay error is calculated between the first and second layers based on the measured LER values.

Abstract: An electron detector includes a plurality of assemblies, the plurality of assemblies including a first assembly having a first SiPM and a first scintillator made of a first scintillator material directly connected to an active light sensing surface of the first SiPM, and a second assembly having a second SiPM and a second scintillator made of a second scintillator material directly connected to an active light sensing surface of the second SiPM, wherein the first scintillator material and the second scintillator material are different than one another. Alternatively, an electron detector includes an assembly including an SiPM and a scintillator member having a front surface and a back surface, the scintillator member being a film of a scintillator material directly deposited on to an active light sensing surface of the SiPM.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method capable of preparing a standardized probe without need for working skill of probe processing.

Abstract: Briefly described, in an exemplary form, the present invention discloses a system, method and apparatus for X-ray Compton scatter imaging. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention uses two detectors in a volumetric CT system. A first detector is positioned generally in-line with the angle of attack of the incoming energy, or, generally in-line of path x, where x is the path of the incoming energy. The first, or primary, detector detects various forms of radiation emanating from an object undergoing testing. In some embodiments, the present invention further comprises a Compton scattering system positioned generally normal to path x. In some embodiments, the Compton scattering subsystem comprises a second detector and a pin-hole collimator. The second detector detects Compton scattering energy from the object being tested.

Abstract: An electron beam apparatus, in which an electron beam emitted from an electron gun having a cathode and an anode is focused and irradiated onto a sample, and secondary electrons emanated from the sample are directed into a detector, the apparatus further comprising means for optimizing irradiation of the electron beam emitted from the electron gun onto the sample, the optimizing means may be two-stage deflectors disposed in proximity to the electron gun which deflects and directs the electron beam emitted in a specific direction so as to be in alignment with the optical axis direction of the electron beam apparatus, the electron beam emitted in the specific direction being at a certain angle with respect to the optical axis due to the fact that, among the crystal orientations of said cathode, a specific crystal orientation allowing a higher level of electron beam emission out of alignment with the optical axis direction.

Abstract: The infrared detecting element has a first base plate that has a first front surface, a first back surface, a first recessed portion, and an infrared detecting section for detecting infrared rays provided in an area of the first front surface that opposes the first recessed portion; a second base plate that has a second front surface, a second back surface on the opposite side of the second front surface, and a second recessed portion provided in an area of the second back surface that faces the first recessed portion; and an adhesion film that bonds the first back surface and the second back surface, wherein a second outer peripheral portion where the second recessed portion intersects with the second back surface surrounds a first outer peripheral portion where the first recessed portion intersects with the first back surface.

Abstract: A pyro sensor is for use in a passive infrared motion detector. The pyro sensor includes at least one passive infrared sensor element. A field effect transistor includes a drain, a gate and a source. The gate is connected to the at least one passive infrared sensor element. A first capacitor interconnects the source and ground. The first capacitor has a value of approximately between 47 picoFarads and 1000 picoFarads. A second capacitor interconnects the source and ground. The second capacitor has a value of approximately between 4.7 picoFarads and 47 picoFarads.

Abstract: An electrical calibrated radiometer includes a base, a suspension unit extending from the base, and a first heat measuring unit and a second heat measuring unit formed in the base. By applying a known voltage to the first heat measuring unit, the first heat measuring unit could serve as a thermal background for the second heat measuring unit, and an absolute temperature of a heat source could be determined with high precision from output voltages of the second heat measuring unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel composition for radiation image detector. The composition comprises an organic matrix comprising a charge transport material (CTM); and scintillating particles for absorbing radiation, being dispersed in the organic matrix, wherein the scintillating particles are in contact with a charge generation material (CGM).

Abstract: Apparatuses, computer-readable mediums, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a positron emission tomography (“PET”) detector array is provided which includes a plurality of crystal elements arranged in a two-dimensional checkerboard configuration. In addition, there are empty spaces in the checkerboard configuration. In various embodiments, the empty spaces are filled with passive shielding, transmission source assemblies, biopsy instruments, surgical instruments, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In various embodiments, the crystal elements and the transmission source assemblies simultaneously perform emission/transmission acquisitions.

Abstract: A device for detecting ionizing radiation includes a radiation interaction region configured to generate light in response to an interaction with the ionizing radiation, an optical gain medium region in optical communication with the radiation interaction region and configured to amplify the light, and an energy source coupled to the optical gain medium region and configured to maintain a state of population inversion in the optical gain medium region. The optical gain medium region has an emission wavelength that corresponds with a wavelength of the light generated by the radiation interaction region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation imaging system comprising a layer for a radiation converter; a top electrode on the layer for a radiation converter; and an array of pixel unit electrically coupled to the layer for a radiation converter; wherein, said layer for a radiation converter comprises an organic matrix comprising a charge transport material (CTM); and scintillating particles for absorbing radiation, being dispersed in the organic matrix, wherein the scintillating particles are in contact with a charge generation material (CGM).

Abstract: A detection apparatus configured to detect soft X-ray radiation, includes a conversion unit and a circuit unit disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The conversion unit has a plurality of conversion elements that convert the soft X-ray radiation incident on the semiconductor substrate into electric charge. The circuit unit has an amplifier transistor that amplifies and outputs a signal supplied from the conversion unit. A shielding unit is disposed above the circuit unit. The shielding unit blocks the soft X-ray radiation incident on the circuit unit. Preferably, the soft X-ray shielding coefficient of a material that forms the shielding unit is higher than the soft X-ray shielding coefficient of each of aluminum and copper. Alternatively, a material that forms the shielding unit has an atomic number higher than or equal to 70.

Abstract: An imaging device suitable for detecting certain imaging particles and recording the detection of imaging particles, and as such can include certain recording devices such as a charge storage structure.

Abstract: A soft X-ray detection apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a plurality of detection units disposed thereon, each including a conversion unit and a circuit unit. The conversion unit is formed from, for example, a photodiode. The conversion unit collects electric charge generated upon incidence of soft X-ray radiation. A first conductive type (e.g., N-channel type) amplifier transistor is disposed in the circuit unit. The amplifier transistor serves as an amplifier unit that amplifies and outputs a signal supplied from the conversion unit. A first conductive type transistor is not disposed between the conversion units that are immediately adjacent to each other. Alternatively, transistors included in the detection units that are immediately adjacent to each other are disposed so as to be in close proximity to each other.

Abstract: A wavefront measuring apparatus includes an optical element forming a periodic pattern by light, a detector having pixels to detect the light, and a computer computing, based on detection results of the detector, wavefront information at positions in a wavefront of the light transmitted through or reflected by a specimen. The detector detects a first periodic pattern formed by the light, and a second periodic pattern formed by the light and shifted in phase from the first periodic pattern. The computer computes the wavefront information at one of the positions by using a result detected in a first pixel of the pixels when detecting the first periodic pattern, a result detected in a second pixel of the pixels when detecting the first periodic pattern, the second pixel being positioned within three pixels from the first pixel, and a result detected in the first pixel when detecting the second periodic pattern.

Abstract: A transmission X-ray analyzer for detecting a transmission X-ray image of a sample that moves relatively in a predetermined scanning direction includes; a time delay and integration (TDI) sensor including a plurality of stages of line sensors including the plurality of two-dimensionally arranged image pickup devices arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined scanning direction, being configured to transfer charge accumulated in one line sensor to an adjacent subsequent line sensor; a shield unit for shielding a part of the image of light entering the TDI sensor by moving back and forth in the predetermined scanning direction, the shield unit being disposed between the TDI sensor and the sample; and a shield unit position control unit for controlling a position of the shield unit so as to shield a predetermined number of stages of line sensors among the plurality of stages of line sensors.

Abstract: A charged particle detection system comprises plural detection elements and a multi-aperture plate in proximity of the detection elements. Charged particle beamlets can traverse the apertures of the multi-aperture plate to be incident on the detection elements. More than one multi-aperture plate can be provided to form a stack of multi-aperture plates in proximity of the detector. A suitable electric potential supplied to the multi-aperture plate can have an energy filtering property for the plural charged particle beamlets traversing the apertures of the plate.

Abstract: An Aharonov-Bohm (AB) sensor is provided. The AB sensor includes a beam splitter configured to split a first electron beam into a first wave and a second wave. The beam splitter is configured to direct the first wave along a first path through a field-free cage. A phase of the first wave is configured to shift in response to a vector potential of a signal. The vector potential is present within the field-free cage. The AB sensor includes a beam combiner configured to combine the phase shifted first wave with the second wave to generate a second electron beam, which is modulated based on the phase shift of the first wave. The AB sensor includes a detector configured to receive the second electron beam and to detect the signal based on the modulation of the second electron beam.

Abstract: A proton beam guidance apparatus and a method of providing proton beams having sub-micron beam width and MeV energies. The apparatus is a structure having an enclosed channel that can reflect or guide protons by grazing incidence interactions. The enclosed channel is in some embodiments an annular channel. The enclosed channel is shaped to provide a helical path for each proton in the beam. Protons are provided to an input port of the channel, and after multiple grazing incidence interactions with the walls of the channel, are provided as an output beam having dimensions comparable to the cross sectional dimensions of the channel. The channels can have cross sectional dimensions of tens of nanometers or less. No externally applied electromagnetic fields are needed to guide the proton beam. Contemplated applications include use of the exit proton beams to provide medical treatment to patients.

Abstract: A device is described that allows for the insertion and removal of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) specimen stage and insertion rod into and out of a vacuum chamber. The device can be configured to accommodate specimen stage and insertion rods manufactured by all TEM producers. The device has a side-entry slot for accepting the cylindrical stage rod and a locking mechanism, such that unwanted contact with the specimen and the specimen stage itself is avoided during entry and exit from the plasma vacuum chamber. The devices hold said specimen stage and insertion rod in position during the process of plasma cleaning in a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A laryngoscope disinfector characterized by a drawer that provides positioning for laryngoscopes in the drawer so that all surfaces of the laryngoscopes are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The drawer provides for the laryngoscope blades to be positioned generally horizontally and generally vertically for disinfection of the blades. The drawer also provides, in some embodiments, positioning for the laryngoscope handles.

Abstract: A system includes a non-uniform grating having a first region with a first refractive index and second regions with a second refractive index. A pattern of the second regions varies with an angular coordinate such that phase shifts of an incident beam created by the grating cause destructive interference that creates an intensity minimum within an output beam from the grating.

Abstract: A laser apparatus may include: a master oscillator configured to output a pulsed laser beam at a repetition rate; at least one amplifier disposed on a beam path of the pulsed laser beam; at least one optical shutter disposed on the beam path of the pulsed laser beam; and a controller configured to switch the at least one optical shutter.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for analyzing an oil/gas separation process. One disclosed system includes a flow path containing a fluid, a fluid separator coupled to the flow path and having an inlet for receiving the fluid and a discharge conduit for discharging the fluid after having undergone a separation process in the fluid separator, an optical computing device having an integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid before the fluid enters the fluid separator and after the fluid exits the fluid separator and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include receiving, by a wireless communication device, an instruction to actuate a valve. The method may also include receiving a period of time. The method may also include applying energy from a battery to the valve for the period of time.

Abstract: In a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, fuel is delivered from a high-pressure pump into a fuel rail. The quantity of the delivered fuel is influenced by a quantity control valve which is activated by an electromagnetic actuating device. The level of control of the quantity control valve during the transition from the closed state to the open state of the quantity control valve is provided in the form of a sufficiently flat, descending progression which allows a robust control of the opening motion with regard to the varying specimen properties.

Abstract: A method of assuring drop out of a valve assembly comprising detecting a level of a signal from the controller; diverting the signal to a solenoid coil of the valve assembly when the level of the signal is above a predetermined value; and diverting the signal to a load when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value. The level detector may divert the signal away from the coil when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value, thereby ensuring that the coil is fully de-energized in response to the level of the signal being below the predetermined value, while allowing current to flow through the valve assembly, thereby allowing the controller to monitor the integrity of the wiring between the controller and the valve assembly.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic water supply valve, a body includes a chamber having a valve seat disposed between an inlet and an outlet. A diaphragm and a diaphragm holder are stacked on the valve seat to define a pressure chamber. An electromagnet unit is disposed on the body, closing the pressure chamber. The valve controls the supply of water in response to the electromagnet unit, so that water is introduced into or discharged from the pressure chamber. An electric circuit-forming coil is wound on a bobbin. The lower end of the bobbin is hermetically coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic induction member seals the upper portion of a hollow section of the bobbin, and generates magnetic force in cooperation with the coil. A plunger is driven to open and close the water supply passage. The electromagnetic water supply valve increases electrical efficiency with a decreased number of components.