Imaging apparatus and methods

US8294100B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Infrared Newco, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Conor S. Rafferty · Newton, US
• Anders Ingvar Aberg · Winchester, US
• Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram · Acton, US
• Bryan D. Ackland · Old Bridge, US
• Clifford A. King · Kingston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 18, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 23, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10F39/806

Abstract

Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.