Abstract:
In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and systems for detecting the blood pressure of a user. In one embodiment, an optoelectronic device includes an array of avalanche photodiodes operating in Geiger mode. A tunable optical filter is optically coupled to the array and receives a light beam reflected from a vascularized tissue of the user, in response to the vascularized tissue being illuminated by an optical source.
Abstract:
The photodetector is formed in a silicon carbide body formed by a first epitaxial layer of an N type and a second epitaxial layer of a P type. The first and second epitaxial layers are arranged on each other and form a body surface including a projecting portion, a sloped lateral portion, and an edge portion. An insulating edge region extends over the sloped lateral portion and the edge portion. An anode region is formed by the second epitaxial layer and is delimited by the projecting portion and by the sloped lateral portion. The first epitaxial layer forms a cathode region underneath the anode region. A buried region of an N type, with a higher doping level than the first epitaxial layer, extends between the anode and cathode regions, underneath the projecting portion, at a distance from the sloped lateral portion as well as from the edge region.
Abstract:
A device for detecting a chemical species, including a Geiger-mode avalanche diode, which includes a body of semiconductor material delimited by a front surface. The semiconductor body includes: a cathode region having a first type of conductivity, which forms the front surface; and an anode region having a second type of conductivity, which extends in the cathode region starting from the front surface. The detection device further includes: a sensitive structure arranged on the anode region and including at least one sensitive region, which has an electrical permittivity that depends upon the concentration of the chemical species; and a resistive region, arranged on the sensitive structure and electrically coupled to the anode region.
Abstract:
A MEMS sensor has at least a movable element designed to oscillate at an oscillation frequency, and an integrated measuring system coupled to the movable element to provide a measure of the oscillation frequency. The measuring system has a light source to emit a light beam towards the movable element and a light detector to receive the light beam reflected back from the movable element, including a semiconductor photodiode array. In particular, the light detector is an integrated photomultiplier having an array of single photon avalanche diodes.
Abstract:
An optoelectronic device for detecting radiation, comprising a semiconductor body including: a cathode region delimited by a front surface, having a first conductivity type and including a bottom layer; an anode region having a second conductivity type, which extends in the cathode region starting from the front surface and forms a surface junction with the cathode region; and a buried region having the second conductivity type, which extends within the cathode region and forms a buried junction with the bottom layer. The cathode region further includes a buffer layer, which is arranged underneath the anode region and overlies, in direct contact, the bottom layer. The buffer layer has a doping level higher than the doping level of the bottom layer.
Abstract:
An optoelectronic device for detecting radiation, comprising a semiconductor body including: a cathode region delimited by a front surface, having a first conductivity type and including a bottom layer; an anode region having a second conductivity type, which extends in the cathode region starting from the front surface and forms a surface junction with the cathode region; and a buried region having the second conductivity type, which extends within the cathode region and forms a buried junction with the bottom layer. The cathode region further includes a buffer layer, which is arranged underneath the anode region and overlies, in direct contact, the bottom layer. The buffer layer has a doping level higher than the doping level of the bottom layer.
Abstract:
A proximity sensor may include an array of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes, each including an anode contact and a cathode contact. A common cathode contact may be coupled to the cathode contacts of the array to define a first connection lead at a back side of the array. A common anode collecting grid contact may be coupled to the anode contacts of the array to define a second connection lead of the array. Circuitry may be coupled with the first and second connection leads and configured to sense at least one of a dark current and a rate of current spikes generated in dark conditions, and generate an output signal representing an estimated distance of an object from the array upon the sensing.
Abstract:
An avalanche photodiode includes a cathode region and an anode region. A lateral insulating region including a barrier region and an insulating region surrounds the anode region. The cathode region forms a planar optical guide within a core of the cathode region, the guide being configured to guide photons generated during avalanche. The barrier region has a thickness extending through the planar optical guide to surround the core and prevent propagation of the photons beyond the barrier region. The core forms an electrical-confinement region for minority carriers generated within the core.
Abstract:
An avalanche photodiode includes a cathode region and an anode region. A lateral insulating region including a barrier region and an insulating region surrounds the anode region. The cathode region forms a planar optical guide within a core of the cathode region, the guide being configured to guide photons generated during avalanche. The barrier region has a thickness extending through the planar optical guide to surround the core and prevent propagation of the photons beyond the barrier region. The core forms an electrical-confinement region for minority carriers generated within the core.
Abstract:
A device for detecting a chemical species, including a Geiger-mode avalanche diode, which includes a body of semiconductor material delimited by a front surface. The semiconductor body includes: a cathode region having a first type of conductivity, which forms the front surface; and an anode region having a second type of conductivity, which extends in the cathode region starting from the front surface. The detection device further includes: a sensitive structure arranged on the anode region and including at least one sensitive region, which has an electrical permittivity that depends upon the concentration of the chemical species; and a resistive region, arranged on the sensitive structure and electrically coupled to the anode region.