Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detection system for identifying an unidentified substance in a sample, comprising light emitting sources, where at least one of the light emitting sources emits light in the infrared region; a circuit board; a trigger, that activates a pulse of electrons from the circuit board to the light emitting sources; a detector; and a central processing unit, where fluorescence generated from the unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting sources is collected in the detector and analyzed in the central processing unit.

Abstract: There is provided a visible-region light measuring instrument including: a first photodiode and a second photodiode. At least one of the first photodiode and the second photodiode comprises plural photodiodes, when the first photodiode comprises a first plural photodiodes, the visible-region light measuring instrument has first fuses that control connections between the first plural photodiodes and at least one of the first node and the first power supply node. When the second photodiode comprises a second plural photodiodes, the visible-region light measuring instrument has second fuses that control connections between the second plural photodiodes and at least one of the first node and the second power supply node.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) may be configured to detect arc flash events within a power system using stimulus measurements acquired by detection devices communicatively coupled to the power system. An arc flash event may be detected using a time-intensity comparison metric, such as an inverse time-over-stimulus metric, a cumulative stimulus metric, or the like. The stimulus may include electro-optical (EO) radiation produced in the vicinity of the power system, current measurements, or the like. The IED may detect an arc flash event if one or more of the stimulus types are indicative of an arc flash event. Responsive to detecting an arc flash event, the IED, or other protective element, may take one or more protective actions, such as issuing trip commands, or the like.

Abstract: A nano device includes an array of cells disposed in rows and columns and constructed over a substrate, and an optical circuit disposed over the substrate, wherein the optical circuit is formed by nano elements in a self-assembled process.

Abstract: A sintered, annealed scintillator composition, which, prior to annealing, has a formula of A3B2C3O12, where A is at least one member of the group consisting of Tb, Ce, and Lu, or combinations thereof; B is an octahedral site (Al), and C is a tetrahedral site (also Al). One or more substitutions are included. The substitutions may be partial or, in some cases, complete, and can include Al with Sc at B; up to two atoms of oxygen with fluorine and the same number of Ca atoms at A; replacement at B with Mg and the same number of atoms of oxygen with fluorine; replacement at B with a combination of Mg/Si Mg/Zr, Mg/Ti, and/or Mg/Hf; replacement at B with a combination of Li/Nb and/or Li/Ta, and at A with Ca; and replacement of an equal number of B or C with silicon. Related devices are also described, such as CT scanners and well-logging devices.

Abstract: An sensor assembly according to one embodiment includes a sensor, an analog-to-digital converter configured to digitize a data signal received from the sensor, and an array of logic elements configured to receive a first data transmission over a serial bus and to transmit a second data transmission including information in the digitized signal over the serial bus. The array of logic elements is configured to transmit the second data transmission according to information received in the first data transmission.

Abstract: Provided are an image sensor and a method of forming the image sensor. The image sensor has a base multi-layered reflection layer interposed between a photodiode and an interlayer insulating layer. The photodiode has a first surface adjacent to the interlayer insulating layer and a second surface opposite the first surface. Here, external light is incident on the second surface of the photodiode. Also, the image sensor includes a sidewall multi-layered reflection layer that encloses the photodiode.

Abstract: A method of operating a photosensor comprising: applying a bias voltage to a photosensor (12) comprising n (n>1) photo-sensitive elements (8) connected in series, and determining the photocurrent in the photosensor (12) at a time when the applied bias voltage across the photosensor maintains the photosensor at or close to the point at which it has the greatest signal-to-noise ratio. This may conveniently be done by determining the current in the photosensor at a time when the applied bias voltage across the photosensor is equal or approximately equal to n×Vbi, where Vbi is the bias voltage about which the current in a single one of the photo-sensitive elements (8), in the dark, changes sign. In an embodiment in which the photo-sensitive elements (8) are photodiodes, the bias voltage Vbi is the “built-in” voltage of the photodiodes. The photocurrent generated when n series-connected photodiodes are illuminated is approximately equal to the photocurrent generated when one photodiode is illuminated.

Abstract: An encoder includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body which have slits formed therein and rotate interlockingly with each other; a light source device which emits to-be-detected light to the slits; and a photodetecting device which includes a first scale and a second scale having a plurality of photodetectors aligned along annular alignment lines, and an output part which outputs output signals based on light intensities of the to-be-detected light made incident on the photodetectors of the first scale and the second scale through the slit. The rotation ratio of the second rotating body is different from that of the first rotating body, and to the photodetectors, attributes are assigned every predetermined phase angle.

Abstract: The light irradiation device is provided that can reduce moire interference with a simple and low-cost arrangement without sacrificing a compact design by comprising a transparent plate 31 which has a predetermined thickness and one of whose surfaces is arranged as an object facing surface 31a to face an object W such as a product on which light is to be irradiated, multiple reflecting sections 32 that are laid out on other surface of the transparent plate 31 with forming a microscopic space S therebetween with its light reflecting surface facing a direction of the object W, a light source section 5 arranged at a position where at least a part of the emitted light is transmitted, reaches the light reflecting surface, is reflected on the light reflecting surface and is emitted from the object facing surface 31a, and an antireflection film 33 that covers the object facing surface 31a.

Abstract: An improved nanophosphor composite comprises surface modified nanophosphor particles in a solid matrix. The nanophosphor particle surface is modified with an organic ligand, or by covalently bonding a polymeric or polymeric precursor material. The surface modified nanophosphor particle is essentially charge neutral, thereby preventing agglomeration of the nanophosphor particles during formation of the composite material. The improved nanophosphor composite may be used in any conventional scintillator application, including in a radiation detector.

Abstract: An optical filter that is disposed in front of an image sensor. The optical filter includes a first optical member, and a second optical member that is disposed closer to the image sensor than the first optical member. An anti-reflection multilayer film is formed on an incident surface of the first optical member. A film which is made of a material containing fluorine is formed on an outermost layer of the anti-reflection multilayer film. A dichroic multilayer film is formed between a light-emitting surface of the first optical member and an incident surface of the second optical member.

Abstract: A photodiode that can obtain a clear signal or image in a case in which noise that is not limited to a dark current is high, a photodiode array, and an image pickup device are provided. The photodiode includes a sensor section that is provided on a first semiconductor having a band gap energy which allows input light to be received; a modulated light-emitting section that is positioned behind the sensor section with respect to the input light, and that emits modulated light to the sensor section; and a signal processor that is formed on a second semiconductor which transmits the modulated light, and that is positioned between the sensor section and the modulated light emitting section.

Abstract: A first transistor is provided on a current path for a phototransistor. A first resistor is provided between one terminal of the first transistor and the power supply line. A second transistor forms a current mirror circuit in cooperation with the first transistor, which amplifies with a predetermined amplification factor the current that flows through the first transistor. A charge capacitor, one terminal of which is connected to a fixed electric potential, is charged with the current thus amplified. A second resistor is provided between one terminal of the second transistor and the power supply line.

Abstract: A driving method for a photo transistor includes providing an alternating current (AC) voltage to a gate electrode of the photo transistor. A photo sensor using the driving method and a flat panel display using the photo sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a quartz crystal plate including a quartz crystal of crystal structure having a first axis and a second axis vertical to the first axis, said quartz crystal plate being provided as facing to an image pickup element taking an image from an optical system, and a vibration member provided on a surface of said quartz crystal plate crossing an optical axis of said optical system so as to vibrate said quartz crystal plate, wherein; an angle of the face of said quartz crystal plate crossing the optical axis of said optical system is substantially +45° rotated counter-clockwise around said second axis from said first axis viewing from said second axis.

Abstract: A positioning device configured to position a first and a second movable object in a substantially common operation area is presented. The positioning device includes a first coil assembly arranged next to the operation area, a second coil assembly arranged at an opposite side of the operation area, one or more first magnets arranged on the first movable object and configured to cooperate with the first coil assembly, and one or more second magnets arranged on the second movable object and configured to cooperate with the second coil assembly.

Abstract: An imaging or echolocation system has a source of coherent waves, such as acoustic and electromagnetic waves, that are transmitted towards any target or targets of interest. Any waves reflected or echoed by the target or targets are received by a receiver further having many sensor elements spaced across a surface. A reference signal of the same frequency of the waves as received from received waves. A least one phase amplifier receives signals from at least one sensor element, and amplifies phase differences between the reference signal and the received waves. In imaging systems, signals from the phase amplifier(s) enter image construction apparatus and are used for constructing an image; in echolocation systems, signals from the phase amplifiers are used to distinguish between and identify targets. In various embodiments, phase amplifiers may be implemented in analog or digital form.

Abstract: One embodiment exemplarily described herein can be characterized as an image sensor including a substrate having a front surface and a rear surface; a photoelectric converting portion on the front surface of the substrate; a through via extending through the substrate, wherein the through via is electrically connected to the photoelectric converting portion; an external connection terminal on the rear surface of the substrate, wherein the external connection terminal is connected to the through via; and a light shading layer formed on a portion of the rear surface of the substrate, wherein the light shading layer is substantially opaque with respect to an external light. In some embodiments, the portion of the rear surface of the substrate on which the light shading layer is formed is not overlapped by the through via or the external connection terminal.

Abstract: A device disclosed herein includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first plurality of nanowires established between the first layer and the second layer. The first plurality of nanowires is formed of a first semiconductor material. The device further includes a third layer, and a second plurality of nanowires established between the second and third layers. The second plurality of nanowires is formed of a second semiconductor material having a bandgap that is the same as or different from a bandgap of the first semiconductor material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a CMOS image sensor and a manufacturing method thereof. The present CMOS image sensor comprises: first, second, and third photo diodes and a plurality of transistors spaced at a predetermined distance in a semiconductor substrate; a diffusion blocking layer on substantially an entire surface of the substrate, including an opening therein exposing at least one of the photo diodes; an interlevel dielectric layer over the entire surface of the substrate, covering the diffusion blocking layer; first, second and third color filter layers over the interlevel dielectric layer, respectively corresponding to the first, second and third photo diodes, and a plurality of microlenses over the color filter layers, corresponding to each color filter layer.

Abstract: In various aspects, a semiconductor light emitting device may include a mold resin having a cup shape portion on an upper surface of the mold resin; a first lead provided in the mold resin and extending from the cup shape portion to outside of the mold resin, the first lead having a first lead section and a second lead section, the second lead section of the first lead being thicker than the first lead section of the first lead, the second lead section of the first lead having a hole; a second lead provided in the mold resin and extending from the cup shape portion to outside of the mold resin, having a first lead section and a second lead section, the second lead section of the second lead being thicker than the first lead section of the second lead; a light emitting element mounted on the second section of the first lead in the cup shape portion; a wire electrically connecting the light emitting element and the second lead; and a sealing resin configured to seal the light emitting element and the wire.

Abstract: A device couples energy from an electromagnetic wave to charged particles in a beam. The device includes a micro-resonant structure and a cathode for providing electrons along a path. The micro-resonant structure, on receiving the electromagnetic wave, generates a varying field in a space including a portion of the path. Electrons are deflected or angularly modulated to a second path.

Abstract: Provided is a method and test system for identifying a defective region of a photovoltaic cell from among a plurality of photovoltaic cells collectively forming a thin film solar module. A probe includes a plurality of test fingers arranged to be substantially simultaneously placed adjacent to an electric contact provided to different regions of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, and each of the test fingers is to receive an electrical output from the different regions of the one or more photovoltaic cells. A light source emits light to be converted by the photovoltaic cells into the electrical output during testing. A measurement circuit measures a property of the electrical output received from the different regions of the photovoltaic cells and transmits a measured value signal indicative of the property measured by the measurement circuit.

Abstract: An observing apparatus includes: a photographic unit that takes a region where cells are present as an observation object region based upon a macro image captured at low magnification of an interior of a cell culture vessel, and photographs the cells in the observation object region; an illuminating unit that irradiates light upon the cells only during photography by the photographic unit; and an output unit that outputs a fluorescent image photographed by the photographic unit while irradiating light only during photography by the illuminating unit.

Abstract: An organic photoelectric conversion device is provided and includes: an organic photoelectric conversion layer that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light and generates a signal charge; a first electrode provided on one side of the organic photoelectric conversion layer and a plurality of second electrodes arranged on the other side of the organic photoelectric conversion layer. A gap between adjacent pair of the second electrodes is 3 ?m or below.

Abstract: For the high spatial resolution imaging of a structure of interest in a specimen, a substance is selected from a group of substances which have a fluorescent first state and a nonfluorescent second state; which can be converted fractionally from their first state into their second state by light which excites them into fluorescence, and which return from their second state into their first state; the specimen's structure of interest is imaged onto a sensor array, a spatial resolution limit of the imaging being greater (i.e.

Abstract: A method of operating an imager to have increased capacitance on a pixel output or column output line during most reset signal and pixel signal sampling operations from the line. The increased capacitance is achieved by switching in multiple sample and hold capacitors during the sampling operations.

Abstract: A photometer that tracks a path of a moving light source with little or no motion of the photometer components. The system includes a non-moving, truncated paraboloid of revolution, having a paraboloid axis, a paraboloid axis, a small entrance aperture, a larger exit aperture and a light-reflecting inner surface, that receives and reflects light in a direction substantially parallel to the paraboloid axis. The system also includes a light processing filter to receive and process the redirected light, and to issue the processed, redirected light as processed light, and an array of light receiving elements, at least one of which receives and measures an associated intensity of a portion of the processed light. The system tracks a light source moving along a path and produces a corresponding curvilinear image of the light source path on the array of light receiving elements.

Abstract: The design, fabrication, post-processing and characterization of a novel circular design SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) based bio/chemical sensor in CMOS technology is introduced. The sensors are designed in AMI 1.5 ?m 2 metal, 2 poly process. A unique maskless post processing sequence is designed and completed. The three post-processing steps are fully compatible with any CMOS technology. This allows any signal control/processing circuitry to be easily integrated on the same chip. ZnO is used as the piezoelectric material for the SAW generation. A thorough characterization and patterning optimization of the sputtered ZnO was carried out. The major novelties that are introduced in the SAW delay line features are: The embedded heater elements for temperature control, compensation and acoustic absorbers that are designed to eliminate edge reflections and minimize triple transit interference. Both of these attributes are designed by using the CMOS layers without disturbing the SAW performance.

Abstract: In a metallic structure including a metallic nano-chain with plasmon resonance absorption, a metallic nanoparticle forming the metallic nano-chain is formed in a circular, triangle, or rhomboid shape. The wavelength selectivity can be increased also by forming a closed region by mutually linking all of metallic nanoparticles that are mutually linked with bottlenecks. In a photodetector, a photodetection unit including a current detection probe, a nano-chain unit, and a current detection probe is arranged on a substrate. The nano-chain unit is a metallic structure with plasmon resonance absorption, where metallic nanoparticles are mutually linked with bottlenecks. Each current detection probe has a corner whose tip is formed with a predetermined angle, and this corner is arranged to face the tip of the nano-chain unit, i.e., a corner of the metallic nanoparticle. Photodetection with high wavelength selectivity is performed based on a change in the initial voltage of the current-voltage characteristic.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting peripheral light including: at least two first transistors coupled in parallel between an output line and base power supply for detecting an intensity of peripheral light; and at least two second transistors positioned at a side of the first transistors and between the first transistors and a voltage source.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). Such techniques may be used in connection with a light sensor. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength. An adhesive bonds the light sensor to the PCB. A hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer. A state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor. The PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.

Abstract: A radiometer sensor includes a target plate and a micro-mechanical spring which supports the target plate above a base support. This construction allows for displacement of the target plate in a direction perpendicular to the base support in response to radiation which is received by a top surface of the target plate. The sensor is enclosed within a housing that defines a sealed interior chamber within which a vacuum has been drawn. The target plate preferably is non-deformable in response to received radiation. Capacitive or piezoelectric sensors are provided to detect the displacement of the target plate, and the measured displacement is correlated to determine a received radiation level. Radiometer sensor output signals are quantized and signal processed so as to make a radiation level determination.

Abstract: An optical sensor has: a sensing portion having an optical fiber to be disposed at a measurement point of temperature, distortion, pressure etc.; a light source to output a light to the sensing portion; and a photodetector to detect a backscattered light from the sensing portion. The sensing portion has a tape sheet and the optical fiber shaped into a corrugated form with a predetermined curvature. Alternatively, the sensing portion has a polymer optical waveguide with a core shaped into a corrugated form with a predetermined curvature.

Abstract: The present invention includes: photoelectric conversion element 103 that converts electrical signals into optical signals and optical signals into electrical signals; and optical communication LSI 102 electrically connected to photoelectric conversion element 103. Also, the present invention includes electrical wiring substrate 101 including a plurality of electrodes 201 and 202 on which photoelectric conversion element 103 and optical communication LSI 102 are mounted by flip-chip attachment and a plurality of wiring layers 101a, 101b and 101c electrically connecting respective electrodes 201 and 202, wiring layers 101a, 101b and 101c being provided at an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner portion of electrical wiring substrate 101, respectively. Also, electrodes 201 and 202 to which photoelectric conversion element 103 is bonded are provided at a side surface of electrical wiring substrate 101.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic-inorganic composite material containing a metal oxide, and a functional organic material located on the metal oxide, wherein the functional organic material and the metal oxide are bound via a silanol bond. An aspect that the silanol bond is formed by reacting a silane coupling agent with the metal oxide, and an aspect that the silane coupling agent has a reactive terminal are preferred. The present invention also provides a display electrode for electrochromic display device and electrode for photoelectric conversion device using the organic-inorganic composite material, an electrochromic display device using the display electrode and a photoelectric conversion device using the electrode.

Abstract: A unit circuit includes a first transistor, a detection element, a second transistor, and a first capacitive element. The first transistor supplies a detection line with a detection signal corresponding to the electric potential of a gate electrode thereof. The detection element is connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor and varies the electric potential of the gate electrode of the first transistor in accordance with an external factor. The second transistor has a first terminal that is connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor and a second terminal that is connected to a second power supply line. The second transistor has a gate electrode that is connected to a scanning line. The first capacitive element holds the electric potential of the gate electrode of the first transistor.

Abstract: An exemplary light sensor (20) includes a supporting base, a light-sensing unit (21) provided at at least one first location of the supporting base where ambient light is received, and a compensating unit (22) provided at a second location of the supporting base shielded from ambient light, the compensating unit having a structure that is the same as the light-sensing portion. The light-sensing portion includes at least one amorphous silicon thin film transistor (TFT) (210) configured for sensing light, and the compensating unit is configured for providing a reference value current for the light-sensing unit. A display device using the light sensor is also provided.

Abstract: Microelectronic imagers with curved image sensors and methods for manufacturing curved image sensors. In one embodiment, a microelectronic imager device comprises an imager die having a substrate, a curved microelectronic image sensor having a face with a convex and/or concave portion at one side of the substrate, and integrated circuitry in the substrate operatively coupled to the image sensor. The imager die can further include external contacts electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry and a cover over the curved image sensor.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for image sensors are disclosed that include a multi-mode circuit that can be configured for operating as an imaging pixel and a memory. The multi-mode circuit includes a photo-detector for collecting electrons generated by radiation impinging on the photo-detector. A transfer gate is configured for transferring the collected electrons from the photo-detector to a floating diffusion node when the transfer gate is enabled. A write circuit receives and stores a multi-value voltage on the floating diffusion node and a read circuit is configured for reading a state of the floating diffusion node. The state of the floating diffusion node corresponds to the amount of transferred electrons in an image mode or the multi-value voltage in a memory mode. The semiconductor image sensor may be included in as part of an imaging system that includes a memory for storing a digital representation of an image.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion element, an amplification transistor having a gate electrically connected to the output terminal of the photoelectric conversion element, a switching element having one terminal electrically connected to an electrical path which connects the output terminal of the photoelectric conversion element to the gate of the amplification transistor, and the other terminal electrically connected to a node capable of providing a voltage lower than the power supply voltage with the other terminal; and a control unit for controlling the voltage provided by the node and ON/OFF state of the switching element, wherein the control unit causes the node to provide the voltage lower than the power supply voltage with the other terminal of the switching element and turns on the switching element during a period in which a signal generated by photoelectric conversion of the photoelectric conversion element is not used.

Abstract: In one example, an optical detector includes a photosensitive layer, and a group of additional layers associated with that photosensitive layer. The group of additional layers may include first and second contact layer configured for electrical communication with the photosensitive layer. In this example, one of the group of layers is shaped so as to define a corner whose radius of curvature is greater than about 2 microns.

Abstract: A conventional broadband quarter-wave plate has not completely solved the wavelength dependence and has different efficiencies of shifting the phase by 90° depending on the wavelengths, and therefore has a problem that it cannot fulfill the strict specifications on the optical characteristics which are demanded of a wave plate from a viewpoint of the optical efficiency and the like in an optical pickup device compatible with a plurality of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A passive, remote sensor including an optical subsystem for receiving electromagnetic radiation scattered off a surface. A detector is responsive to electromagnetic radiation received by the optical subsystem and generates a composite signal comprising a DC current component and an AC current component. A filter extracts the DC current component from the composite signal. A light emitting device is driven by the DC current component. A detector is responsive to the light emitting device and is connected to the first detector to subtract at least a portion of the DC component from the composite signal producing a modified signal. An amplifier is responsive to the modified signal detects vibrations of the surface to be detected.

Abstract: A solid-state thermal neutron detector comprises: a layered structure that includes; an electrically insulating substrate; a first electrode affixed to the substrate; a neutron-reactive layer affixed to and in ohmic contact with the first electrode; and a second electrode affixed to and in ohmic contact with the neutron-reactive layer; a voltage source electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes; and an electrical current detector electrically coupled in series between the layered structure and the voltage source.

Abstract: A rectifying nanoscale structure is disclosed, which, upon exposure to incident light, is induced to propagate electrons in an anisotropic fashion, with exceptionally low losses. A rectifying nanoscale structure which exploits the phenomena of plasmons to modify its light absorption and rectification properties is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking attitude of a device includes fixing a two-dimensional array of photosensors to the device and using the array to form a reference frame and a sample frame of images. The fields of view of the sample and reference frames largely overlap, so that there are common imaged features from frame to frame. Sample frames are correlated with the reference frame to detect differences in location of the common features. Based upon detection of correlations of features, an attitudinal signal indicative of pitch, yaw, and/or roll is generated. In the preferred embodiment, the attitudinal signal is used to manipulate a screen cursor of a display system, such as a remote interactive video system (RIVS). However, attitudinal tracking using the invention may be employed in other applications.