Adaptive array sensor and electrical circuit therefore
US6469489B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F1/223
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The on-chip electrical circuit (1) for the detection of modulated signals (I), e.g., light, comprises sensor means (PS), e.g., a photosensor, and feedback means (FB) including a low-pass frequency filter. The circuit (1) further comprises a voltage-controlled current source (CS), the input of which is connected to the output of the feedback means (FB) and the output of which is connected in series with the photosensor (PS) in a common node. The common node is connected to the input of an amplifier (AMP). The output of the amplifier (AMP) may be connected to a rectifier (RF), followed by a low-pass filter (LPF). A plurality of such electrical detection circuits (1) with parallel outputs can form a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array sensor for the coherent or heterodyne analog detection of intensity modulated optical signals simultaneously for all pixels with a high dynamic range. The array sensor may be used, e.g., in single or multiple wavelength interferometry, and especially in optical low-coherence tomography.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.