Infrared Responsive Patents (Class 250/338.1)
  • Publication number: 20140117237
    Abstract: There is provided a novel and useful a high responsivity device for thermal sensing in a Terahertz (THz) radiation detector. A load impedance connected to an antenna heats up due to the incident THz radiation received by the antenna. The heat generated by the load impedance is sensed by a thermal sensor such as a transistor. To increase the responsivity of the sense device without increasing the thermal mass, the device is located underneath a straight portion of an antenna arm. The transistor runs substantially the entire length of the antenna arm alleviating the problem caused by placing large devices on the side of the antenna and the resulting large additional thermal mass that must be heated. This boosts the responsivity of the pixel while retaining an acceptable level of noise and demanding a dramatically smaller increase in the thermal time constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Corcos, Danny Elad, Noam Kaminski, Bernhard Klein, Lukas Kull, Thomas Morf
  • Patent number: 8710442
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode with a first opening portion, a light blocking layer with a second opening portion, an organic EL layer including a light emitting unit and being formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a light receiving unit. The light blocking layer is positioned in the first electrode or between the first electrode and the second electrode, and in plan view from the subject side, the light blocking layer overlaps the first opening portion and the second opening portion is positioned within the first opening portion, and the light receiving unit is positioned further from the subject side than the second electrode, and in plan view from the subject side, the light receiving unit is positioned within the second opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Kanda, Hideto Ishiguro, Tsukasa Eguchi, Tetsuji Fujita, Hidetoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8710441
    Abstract: Differential polarization imaging systems include an axicon configured to provide a displacement of ray bundles associated with different image patches. The displaced ray bundles are directed to antenna horns and orthomode transducers so as to provide outputs correspond to orthogonal linear states of polarization (SOPs). The outputs are directed to a differential radiometer so that Stokes parameter differences between image patches can be obtained. The ray bundle displacements can be selected to correspond to a mechanical spacing of antenna horns. In some examples, ray bundle displacement corresponds to a displacement less than the diffraction limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Bruce E. Bernacki, James F. Kelly, David M. Sheen, Jonathan R. Tedeschi, Thomas E. Hall, Brian K. Hatchell, Patrick Valdez, Douglas L. McMakin
  • Publication number: 20140113686
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for a terminal to determine whether an object is approaching, wherein the method includes: reading, by an infrared receiver, a first infrared intensity value when an infrared emitting diode does not work, and reading, by the infrared receiver, a second infrared intensity value when the infrared emitting diode works; obtaining a first difference value between the second infrared intensity value and the first infrared intensity value as an intensity value of a reflected infrared ray; determining whether a second difference value between the intensity value of the reflected infrared ray and an infrared intensity threshold is greater than a preset second threshold; and determining that an object is approaching the terminal when the second difference value is greater than the preset second threshold value. The present invention enables each terminal to accurately determine whether there is an object approaching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lei GUO
  • Publication number: 20140110582
    Abstract: A system (10) for directly measuring the depth of a high aspect ratio etched feature on a wafer (80) that includes an etched surface (82) and a non-etched surface (84). The system (10) utilizes an infrared reflectometer (12) that in a preferred embodiment includes a swept laser (14), a fiber circulator (16), a photodetector (22) and a combination collimator (18) and an objective lens (20). From the objective lens (20) a focused incident light (23) is produced that is applied to the non-etched surface (84) of the wafer (80). From the wafer (80) is produced a reflected light (25) that is processed through the reflectometer (12) and applied to an ADC (24) where a corresponding digital data signal (29) is produced. The digital data signal (29) is applied to a computer (30) that, in combination with software (32), measures the depth of the etched feature that is then viewed on a display (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: RUDOLPH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David S. Marx, David L. Grant
  • Publication number: 20140110584
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking consumer interactions with products using electromagnetic beam sensors. One system includes at least one transmitter configured to generate a beam of electromagnetic energy. The system further includes at least one receiver positioned with respect to the at least one transmitter to detect a portion of the beam of electromagnetic energy reflected from a consumer or a product when the consumer physically interacts with the product. The system further includes the at least one circuit board on which the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver are mounted. The at least one circuit board is configured to mount at or near a product location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Joseph Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140110580
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor unit that includes a mounting portion fixed on one side of the sensor unit; an elastic member including a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed on the mounting portion; a transmission portion configured to transmit a detectable signal, the transmission portion disposed on the second end of the elastic member; a reception portion configured to receive a reflection of the detectable signal; and a controller that determines whether the reflected signal indicates an impact, motion, or impending impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyunsang Kim, Suki Kim, Sanghyeok Yang, Woohyun Paik, Hoyoung Park
  • Publication number: 20140109389
    Abstract: A layer direction determining method and layer direction determining apparatus for a multilayer electronic component to accurately determine the layer direction of conductor layers in the multilayer electronic component, and a method and apparatus of manufacturing a series of multilayer electronic components to align the layer direction of the conductor layers in the multilayer electronic components in a certain direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kouki OKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140110583
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting a sensing threshold of an infrared proximity sensor are provided. The method includes: obtaining, through the infrared proximity sensor, a reflected infrared ray intensity value in an environment of a current light intensity; comparing the obtained reflected infrared ray intensity value with a pre-stored reflected infrared ray intensity value, so as to obtain a first difference; and when the first difference is greater than a preset first threshold, modifying the sensing threshold. It avoid misjudge of blocking of the mobile phone because a light transmittance of a lens is reduced, and the fault is solved by modifying the sensing threshold, so that a proximity sensing function of the mobile phone can be automatically repaired without changing hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhihui WU
  • Patent number: 8704179
    Abstract: The present invention provides thermal detectors having an optical cavity that is optimized to couple light into a sensor. Light that is on resonance is coupled with the sensor with as high as 100% efficiency, while light off resonance is substantially reflected away. Light that strikes the sensor from the sides (i.e. not on the optical cavity axis) only interacts minimally with sensor because of the reduced absorption characteristics of the sensor. Narrowband sensors in accordance with the present invention can gain as much as 100% of the signal from one direction and spectral band, while receiving only a fraction of the normal radiation noise, which originates from all spectral bands and directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Joseph J. Talghader
  • Patent number: 8704180
    Abstract: An infrared radiation detection device comprising: a substrate; a matrix of at least one line of elements for detecting the radiation, each comprising a resistive imaging bolometer, the matrix being formed above the substrate; a bolometer reading circuit, a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature in at least one point of the substrate; and a compensation circuit and data processing device for correcting the signal formed from each bolometer as a function of the temperature measured in at least one point of the substrate. The compensation circuit and data processing device capable of correcting the signal formed from the imaging bolometer by using a predetermined physical model of the temperature behavior of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ulis
    Inventors: Benoît Dupont, Aurélie Touvignon, Michel Vilain, Antoine Dupret
  • Publication number: 20140103209
    Abstract: A terahertz-wave element includes a waveguide (2, 4, 5) that includes an electro-optic crystal and allows light to propagate therethrough, and a coupling member (7) that causes a terahertz wave to enter the waveguide (2, 4, 5). The propagation state of the light propagating through the waveguide (2, 4, 5) changes as the terahertz wave enters the waveguide (2, 4, 5) via the coupling member (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20140103215
    Abstract: A terahertz scanning reflectometer is described herein. A high sensitivity terahertz scanning reflectometer is used to measure dynamic surface deformation and delamination characteristics in real-time. A number of crucial parameters can be extracted from the reflectance measurements such as dynamic deformation, propagation velocity, and final relaxation position. A terahertz reflectometer and spectrometer are used to determine the permeation kinetics and concentration profile of active ingredients in stratum corneum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Anis Rahman, Aunik K. Rahman
  • Publication number: 20140103213
    Abstract: A chemical sensor is provided. The sensor includes at least one lightguiding element having an optical core. The lightguiding element comprises a layer of graphene situated in sufficient proximity to the core to exhibit evanescent wave absorption of optical energy in at least one optical mode guided in the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Ashok J. Maliakal, Brijesh Vyas, Hugo Safar
  • Patent number: 8698083
    Abstract: A method and device for evaluating a solar cell each of which makes it possible to easily evaluate a defect of a solar cell especially in such a manner that an internal cause defect and an external cause defect are distinguished from each other. The device includes: electric current passing means for passing, in a forward direction, an electric current through a solar cell element constituting the solar cell; light emission detecting means for detecting, out of light emitted from the solar cell element due to the electric current passed by the electric current passing means, light in a first range of wavelengths from 800 nm to 1300 nm and light in a second range of wavelengths from 1400 nm to 1800 nm; and judging means for distinguishing between an internal cause defect and an external cause defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: National University Corporation Nara Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takashi Fuyuki, Ayumi Tani
  • Patent number: 8698082
    Abstract: A high-fidelity device for single-shot pulse contrast measurement based on quasi-phase-matching includes a generating unit of sampling pulse, a high-fidelity cross-correlation unit of nonlinear SFG and a high-sensitivity signal detecting unit. An innovatively designed dot-mirror or dot-attenuator and correlating crystal. The dot-mirror or dot-attenuator is adopted to suppress the scattering noise, which is mainly induced by air scattering of the main peak of the correlation beam, to a level below the real pulse background. While the crystal is introduced into the device as a nonlinear correlation crystal to move two kinds of artifacts introduced by a correlation process respectively out of the temporal window and behind the main pulse, so that effects of the artifacts on the contrast measurement in a pulse leading edge are removed, without obviously affecting other parameters. The device is also fit for measuring contrasts of high-power lasers of various wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fudan University
    Inventors: Liejia Qian, Yongzhi Wang, Peng Yuan, Jingui Ma, Guoqiang Xie
  • Patent number: 8692199
    Abstract: In an evaluation device for determining a measurement value at a component, power is supplied to the component during readout of the measurement value. A controller serves to determine the power supplied to the component during the readout. The measurement value determined by the reader is corrected by a compensator while using the power determined by the controller, so as to obtain a corrected measurement value freed from any effects caused by the power supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Juergen Huppertz
  • Patent number: 8692348
    Abstract: An infrared detector 1 having a bolometer element 11 and a reference element 21 is provided with a bolometer thin film 22 supported on a surface of a substrate 10while spaced apart from the surface of the substrate 10, a metal film 23 for heat dissipation formed on a surface of the bolometer thin film 22 via an insulating film 31, wherein the surface of the bolometer thin film 22 faces the substrate 10, and a plurality of metal columns 25 connected thermally with the metal film 23 for heat dissipation and the substrate 10. Since heat generated from a photodetecting portion 22aby infrared rays is efficiently dissipated to the substrate 10 via the insulating film 31, the metal film 23 for heat dissipation, the metal columns 25, and a metal film 24 for heat dissipation on the side of the substrate, only temperature variation caused by variation in use environment can be measured accurately, and downsizing can be achieved while reducing the influence of temperature variation in use environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Jun Suzuki, Fumikazu Ojima, Ryusuke Kitaura
  • Patent number: 8692172
    Abstract: A shield for use with a detector includes a first opening adjacent the detector, a second opening opposite the first opening along an optical axis intersecting the detector, and a field of view defined by the detector and the second opening. A shield body includes alternating curved profile regions and linear profile regions coaxially aligned along the optical axis. The curved profile regions have respective curved interior surfaces concave facing toward the second opening, and the linear profile regions have respective interior surfaces facing toward the first opening. In this way, specular reflections associated with stray light may be greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Preston, Aron Traylor, David G. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8686362
    Abstract: A millimeter wavelength (MMW) measurement system for remote detection of object characteristics and methods for detecting such characteristics. The MMW measurement system comprises a front-end and an optional signal conditioning component. The MMW front-end includes an oscillator, a transceiver portion, and an antenna for focusing a detection component comprising micrometer level wavelength electromagnetic radiation onto the object. A portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the object is received by the MMW measurement system, which is indicative of a displacement of the object. The MMW system may be configured to detect micrometer level displacement of the object disposed tens of meters from the MMW measurement system. In various embodiments the object may be a natural object, including a human, and the displacement may be indicative of a heart rate and/or a respiratory function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Sasan Bakhtiari, Nachappa Gopalsami, Thomas W. Elmer, Apostolos C. Raptis
  • Patent number: 8686344
    Abstract: An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitted LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received the infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen Weigen
  • Patent number: 8688392
    Abstract: An improved system and method for testing a sensor of a portable electronic device based on expected sensor data and not timing information. The system and method for testing a sensor of a portable electronic device retrieves sensed data from the portable electronic device (i.e. device under test) after the device has traversed a series of test areas or zones. The sensed data is compared against a set of expected sensor data patterns to determine which components of the sensed data correspond to each test area or zone. The sensor of the portable electronic device may be tested based on an association of the test areas or zones with segments of the sensed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Yu John Tam, Bridget Bin Wu, Ryan Jeffrey Du Bois
  • Publication number: 20140084165
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hazard detector includes a front casing coupled with a back plate to define a housing having an interior region. The hazard detector also includes a passive infrared sensor device that is disposed within the interior region and that is positioned to face a room within which the hazard detector is positioned so as to detect objects within the room. The hazard detector additionally includes a Fresnel lensing component that is disposed on an exterior of the front casing and that is positioned in front of the passive infrared sensor device to direct infrared radiation onto the passive infrared sensor device. The Fresnel lensing component is configured to be inwardly pushable by a user to cause contact with a switch positioned therebehind so that input is provided to the hazard detector by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Nest Labs, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140084163
    Abstract: Provided is a compact terahertz-wave generating apparatus that generates terahertz waves at high output and high efficiency. A terahertz-wave generating apparatus includes an electromagnetic-wave resonator including a hollow fiber in which an electromagnetic-wave gain medium is disposed, the electromagnetic-wave gain medium generating terahertz waves when exciting energy is supplied thereto, wherein the terahertz waves are amplified in the electromagnetic-wave resonator and are taken from the electromagnetic-wave resonator, wherein the diameter of the hollow fiber is set at one or more times and ten times or less as large as the inside diameter of the hollow fiber, in which the electromagnetic-wave gain medium is disposed, at which a cutoff frequency in a terahertz-wave propagation mode TE11 is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hironobu Sai
  • Patent number: 8680467
    Abstract: A method of obtaining submicron resolution IR absorption data from a sample surface. A probe microscope probe interacts with the sample surface while a tunable source of IR radiation illuminates the sample-tip interaction region. The source is modulated at a frequency substantially overlapping the resonant frequency of the probe and may be modulated at the contact resonance frequency of the probe when the probe is in contact with the sample surface. The modulation frequency is continually adjusted to account for shifts in the probe resonant frequency due to sample or other variations. A variety of techniques are used to observe such shifts and accomplish the adjustments in a rapid manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Anasys Instruments Corp.
    Inventors: Craig Prater, Kevin Kjoller
  • Patent number: 8678643
    Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of open hollow components for tightness supplies a gas under pressure into the component and cools the component in a punctiform manner. Detecting a leak out of the component using a thermographic camera and using a computer connected downstream of the thermographic camera to visualise the leak, follows. The precise location of each leak is thus detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Inpro Innovationsgesellschaft fur Fortgeschrittene Produktionssysteme in der Fahrzeugindustrie mbH
    Inventor: Robert Strohmeyer
  • Publication number: 20140077082
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a sensor (100) for venous networks of a part (50) of a living body, comprising: an infrared illumination source (102), a waveguide (104) illuminated by said infrared illumination source (102) and having, on one face (112), at least one extraction zone (106) intended to extract the infrared rays (114) from said waveguide (104) in at least one main extraction direction (116), an image acquisition means (108) disposed opposite said face (112) so as to define between them a passage (118) through the entrance of which said part (50) of the living body can enter, and comprising a sensitive element (110), the or each extraction zone (106) being such that the or each main extraction direction (116) of said extraction zone (106) is oriented so as not to intercept said sensitive element (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Gilles Monteilliet, Matthieu Darbois, Sylvaine Picard, Michel Cruchaga
  • Publication number: 20140077081
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for a sheet of paper subjected to a process to impart a translucent property such as a “watermark” or a “security window” includes: an inspection cylinder in which a surface facing the sheet of paper is provided with a blackened portion; IR-LED illuminators which irradiate the sheet of paper with light containing infrared rays; an IR monochrome camera which images the sheet of paper; an IR filter which eliminates visible light in the light emitted from the IR-LED illuminators and reflected off the sheet of paper as well as the inspection cylinder and makes only the infrared rays incident on the IR monochrome camera; and a control device which determines appropriateness of a processed portion on the sheet of paper having the translucent property on the basis of the infrared rays emitted from the IR-LED illuminators, reflected off the sheet of paper as well as the inspection cylinder, and made incident on the IR monochrome camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: KOMORI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kentaro OHAMA
  • Publication number: 20140070100
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode with a first opening portion, a light blocking layer with a second opening portion, an organic EL layer including a light emitting unit and being formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a light receiving unit. The light blocking layer is positioned in the first electrode or between the first electrode and the second electrode, and in plan view from the subject side, the light blocking layer overlaps the first opening portion and the second opening portion is positioned within the first opening portion, and the light receiving unit is positioned further from the subject side than the second electrode, and in plan view from the subject side, the light receiving unit is positioned within the second opening portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji KANDA, Hideto ISHIGURO, Tsukasa EGUCHI, Tetsuji FUJITA, Hidetoshi YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8668383
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Publication number: 20140061467
    Abstract: A variable aperture mechanism (VAM) comprises a cam assembly, a single motor capable of rotating the cam assembly, and a pair of aperture members which are coupled to the cam assembly and arranged to affect the size of an aperture, with the size of the aperture varying with the position of the cam assembly. The VAM would typically be used with a sensor having an associated optical field-of-view (FOV), with the aperture members moving in and out of the FOV with the rotation of the cam assembly such that the aperture can be set to multiple f-numbers. A thermal link between the aperture members and a cryogenically-cooled surface ensures that the aperture members are also cryogenically-cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Buzerak, David Marshall
  • Publication number: 20140061468
    Abstract: Provided is a lightweight infrared sensor which is readily and stably erected to a substrate. The infrared sensor includes an insulating film; a first and a second heat sensitive element are disposed on one surface of the insulating film separately; a first and second conductive film on one surface of the insulating film and are respectively connected to the first and the second heat sensitive element; and an infrared reflection film on the other surface of the insulating film so as to face the second heat sensitive element. The infrared sensor further includes a reinforcing plate on which a sensor part window corresponding to a sensor part is formed and which is adhered to the insulating film; and a first and a second terminal electrode are respectively connected to the first and the second wiring film, are formed on the edge of the insulating film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenzo Nakamura, Mototaka Ishikawa, Gakuji Uozumi
  • Publication number: 20140061469
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic radiation within a target frequency range is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and one or more resonator structures disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the one or more resonator structures has at least one dimension that is less than the wavelength of target electromagnetic radiation within the target frequency range, and each of the resonator structures includes at least two conductive structures separated by a spacing. Charge carriers are induced in the substrate near the spacing when the resonator structures are exposed to the target electromagnetic radiation. A measure of the change in conductivity of the substrate due to the induced charge carriers provides an indication of the presence of the target electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Harold Y. Hwang, Mengkun Liu, Richard D. Averitt, Keith A. Nelson, Aaron Sternbach, Kebin Fan
  • Publication number: 20140061477
    Abstract: An active device (10) for viewing a scene, includes a light source (12) suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation towards the scene to be viewed. The device (10) also includes a detector (14), and is configured to activate the detector so as to measure at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source and returned by the scene viewed. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source (12) is infrared radiation at least partially included within a spectral band, referred to as the “viewing band”, the wavelengths of which are between 8 micrometers and 15 micrometers, and the detector (14) is designed to measure infrared radiation within the viewing band. Such an active viewing device (10) is particularly suited to viewing in foggy or rainy weather. A viewing method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES SCIENCES ET TECHNOLOGIES DES TRANSPORTS DE L'AMENAGEMENT DES RESEAUX, LATECOERE
    Inventors: Gerard Boucourt, Frederic Taillade
  • Publication number: 20140061466
    Abstract: A controlling assembly is disclosed, which is adapted to be disposed at a casing, in which the casing has an opening. The controlling assembly includes an infrared transmission module (IR transmission module), a pressing switch and a button. The IR transmission module is adapted to be disposed in the casing and corresponding to the opening. The pressing switch is adapted to be disposed in the casing. The button is adapted to be movably disposed on the casing and shield the opening, in which the button has transparency. The IR transmission module is adapted to transmit or receive infrared light via the opening and passing through the button and the pressing switch is able to be triggered by pressing the button. The invention also discloses an electronic device which includes a casing and a controlling assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Ling Chien, Shih-Hsun Ou, Chien-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8664601
    Abstract: A system and a method for measuring the thickness of a layer of coating deposited on a substrate indirectly measures the thickness of the layer of coating on the substrate by measuring the thickness of layers of coating on a coating roller before and after the coating is transferred from the coating roller to the substrate. To measure the thickness of the layers of coating on the coating roller two sensors are used directed to respective layer on the coating roller. The sensors have IR radiators and IR detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Mats Bentmar, Leif Cronvall
  • Patent number: 8664602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wafer level vacuum package uncooled microbolometer focal plane array (FPA) on a wafer level substrate with a thin film getter-reflector (G-R). The G-R removes gas from the vacuum package and is reflective in the frequency band of the FPA. Sensor pixels are supported about a quarter-wavelength above the G-R which is within the perimeter of the imaging array. The package is evacuated through a single aperture, and vacuum is maintained for the lifetime of the FPA. Imaging sensor size is reduced while maintaining resolution by reducing non-imaging area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Blackwell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140054460
    Abstract: Device for emitting and guiding an infrared radiation comprising a waveguide (1) and means (5) for emitting an infrared radiation (R), characterized in that said means (5) for emitting an infrared radiation (R) are formed at the surface or inside the waveguide (1), in such a way that the radiation emitted is transmitted to the waveguide (1) which transports it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Serge Gidon
  • Publication number: 20140054461
    Abstract: A light detector includes a first light sensor and a second light sensor to detect incident light. A Ge film is disposed over the first light sensor to pass infra-red (IR) wavelength light and to block visible wavelength light. The Ge film does not cover the second light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Chia-Hua Chu, Fei-Lung Lai, Chun-Wen Cheng, Chun-Ren Cheng, Yi-Hsien Chang
  • Publication number: 20140054459
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a card slot is provided. The apparatus is for monitoring a card slot for the presence of unauthorised objects or devices and comprises a photon coupled interrupter having a light source configured for placement at a first side of the card slot to be monitored, the light source being configured to emit light across the card slot; a light sensor configured for placement at a side of the card slot opposite to the first side, the light sensor being configured to sense light from the light source that has propagated across the card slot; and control circuitry for controlling the light source to emit light and for determining the presence of an object or device in the card slot from a signal output from the light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ATM PARTS COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Kate Scott
  • Publication number: 20140054452
    Abstract: A calibration system and method for calibrating a detector are disclosed. In one example, the calibration system comprises a plurality of radiation sources configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, a positioning mechanism disposed opposite the plurality of radiation sources, having a single degree of freedom with respect to the plurality of radiation sources, and an optical element coupled to the positioning mechanism, and configured to rotate to a plurality of calibration positions, the optical element in each of the plurality of calibration positions being configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from a corresponding radiation source and to reflect the electromagnetic radiation to the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Howard De Ruyter, James Steven Blackmon
  • Patent number: 8657487
    Abstract: A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a simulated blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a simulated blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the senor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature corresponding to that phase change. The correction may be applied to subsequent temperature readings obtained using the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Utah State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gail Bingham, Troy Shane Topham, Alan Thurgood
  • Patent number: 8659664
    Abstract: A portable camera system (100) includes a lens (104) for forming a focused image of a survey scene (106) onto a focal plane array (108). The focal plane array (108) comprises a cooled two dimensional array of quantum well infrared photo detectors, (QWIP) having a peak spectral responsivity in the wavelength range of 10.4 to 10.8 ?m. The camera includes a cooled band pass optical filter (110) having a peak spectral transmittance approximately centered at a wavelength of 10.57 ?m and a full width half maximum spectral transmittance bandwidth of approximately 10.3 to 10.7 ?m. The camera system (100) is usable to detect an invisible gas plume in a video image of a survey scene if the gas plume contains sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ammonia, (NH3), Uranyl Fluoride (U2O2F2), or any other gas having an absorption band that that at least partially falls within the wavelength band 10.3 to 10.8 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Benson, Thomas J. Scanlon, Paul A. Czerepuszko
  • Patent number: 8658976
    Abstract: A low-power 4×4-pixel THz camera with responsivity greater than 2.5 MV/W and sub-10 pW/?Hz NEP at 0.25 THz is integrated in 130 nm silicon without using either high-resistivity substrates or silicon lenses. Imaging results with a fully integrated radiating CMOS power source demonstrate the first entirely silicon-based THz imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kaushik Sengupta, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
  • Publication number: 20140048708
    Abstract: A terahertz detection device comprises at least one terahertz antenna, a detection microbridge suspended above a substrate comprising a resistive load coupled to the antenna and a resistive bolometric clement coupled to the resistive load, a bias circuit for biasing the bolometric element. The device further comprises a skimming microbridge suspended above the substrate, comprising a resistive bolometric element, and substantially identical to the detection microbridge, a reflective metal layer opposite to the skimming microbridge to obtain a destructive interference at the level of the skimming microbridge for a terahertz wavelength, a bias circuit to electrically bias the bolometric element of the skimming microbridge and a read circuit for measuring a difference between the electric signals of the microbridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Louis OUVRIER-BUFFET, Jérôme MEILHAN, Duy Thong NGUYEN, François SIMOENS
  • Publication number: 20140043160
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for ensuring that a pass-by detector system is placed in “ready-to-alarm” mode when a subject carries a ferromagnetic threat, or an inanimate ferromagnetic object independent of a human subject passes within the physical zone designated for alarming to such a threat. A fail-safe alarm system consisting of dual detection systems solves the failure of motion-detection systems when confronted with non-heat producing ferromagnetic threat objects; and the failure of photo-beam detection systems when confronted with black, non-reflective clothing. Applications for the present invention include pre-MRI safety screening, as well as certain security protocols, such as banks, schools, prisons, and courthouses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Mednovus, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Holowick, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20140042324
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a detector is provided. The detector includes an electromagnetic absorber, an electromagnetic reflector arranged spaced apart from the electromagnetic absorber, wherein the electromagnetic absorber is configured to absorb an electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength defined based on a distance between the electromagnetic absorber and the electromagnetic reflector, and an actuating element configured to move the electromagnetic absorber from an equilibrium position bi-directionally relative to the electromagnetic reflector to change the distance, and wherein the detector is configured to determine a change in a property associated with the electromagnetic absorber in response to the electromagnetic radiation. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method of controlling the detector is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Piotr Kropelnicki, Ming Lin Julius Tsai, Ilker Ender Ocak, Andrew Randles
  • Patent number: 8648304
    Abstract: A thermal detector manufacturing method includes: forming a sacrificial layer on a structure including an insulating layer; forming a support member on the sacrificial layer; forming on the support member a heat-detecting element; forming a first light-absorbing layer so as to cover the heat-detecting element, and planarizing the first light-absorbing layer; forming a contact hole in a portion of the first light-absorbing layer, subsequently forming a thermal transfer member having a connecting portion that connects to the heat-detecting element and a thermal collecting portion having a surface area greater than that of the connecting portion as seen in plan view; forming a second light-absorbing layer on the first light-absorbing layer; and removing the sacrificial layer to form a cavity between the support member and the structure including the insulating layer formed on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8648307
    Abstract: An infrared ray detector comprises a prism element, a condenser lens, and an infrared ray receiving unit. The prism element is configured to convert the infrared ray irradiated from a detection area of a viewing field to the infrared ray proceeding toward the condenser lens. The condenser lens is configured to concentrate the infrared ray into the infrared ray receiving unit. The infrared ray receiving unit includes a plurality of the infrared ray detection elements. The infrared ray detection elements are arranged in an alternate fashion so as to output electrical signals of positive polarity and negative polarity. Consequently, the infrared ray detector is configured to detect the infrared ray irradiated from a plurality of the detection area, and is configured to detect the infrared ray on the basis of movement of the human in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishikawa, Tomohiro Kamitsu, Yoshiaki Honda
  • Publication number: 20140038316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for examining a wire-sawn silicon substrate for a solar cell. The method includes irradiating the silicon substrate with an infrared radiation, detecting the infrared radiation transmitted through the silicon substrate, and analyzing the detected infrared radiation for characterizing the crystal orientation of the silicon substrate. The invention in addition relates to a device for carrying out such a method, and a method for manufacturing a solar cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander FULLE, Andreas KRAUSE, Lamine SYLLA