Combination photodetector arrays for extended dynamic range
US11016180B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2001/4466
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that improve the dynamic range of LIDAR systems. An example system includes a plurality of single-photon photodetectors and at least one additional photodetector monolithically integrated on a shared substrate. The plurality of single-photon photodetectors and the at least one additional photodetector are configured to detect light from a shared field of view. The system also includes a controller configured to carry out operations. The operations include: receiving respective photodetector signals from the plurality of single-photon photodetectors and the at least one additional photodetector; selecting a photodetector signal from at least two of: the two received photodetector signals and a combined photodetector signal formed by combining the two received photodetector signals; and determining an intensity of light in the field of view based on the selected photodetector signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.