Photon beacon

US6833718B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David Alan Bethke · Meridian, US
• Michael R. Bruce · Austin, US
• Shawn M. McBride · Austin, US
• Greg Dabney · Austin, US
• Glen Gilfeather · Helotes, US
• Rama R. Goruganthu · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 21, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 26, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R31/311
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various apparatus and methods for enhancing hot-electron luminescence in an integrated circuit are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a first circuit device coupled to a first voltage source that is operable to bias the first circuit device to a first voltage, and a second circuit device that has a first input coupled to the first voltage source and a junction defining a first side and a second side. One of the first and second sides is coupled to a second voltage source that is independent of the first voltage source and capable of selectively biasing the one of the first and second sides at a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The second device is operable to emit a hot-electron induced photon upon entry into saturation.