公开(公告)号：US07910874B2

公开(公告)日：2011-03-22

申请号：US11450777

申请日：2006-06-09

申请人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard H. Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

发明人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard H. Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H03F3/08 ,  H01L27/00

CPC分类号： G11C19/285 ,  H01L27/14625 ,  H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/1485 ,  H01L29/76816 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/37213 ,  H04N5/3725 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A charge coupled device (CCD) includes a low noise charge gain circuit that amplifies charge of a cell dependent upon the charge accumulated by the cell. The low noise charge gain circuit receives clocking signals, such as from an input diode, which allow charge to accumulate in a reservoir well and then flow into a receiving well. The low noise charge gain circuit also receives a voltage signal corresponding to charge accumulated on an associated cell. The amount of charge flowing into the receiving well depends on this voltage signal.

摘要翻译： 电荷耦合器件（CCD）包括低噪声电荷增益电路，其根据该单元累积的电荷来放大单元的电荷。 低噪声充电增益电路接收时钟信号，例如来自输入二极管，其允许电荷积聚在储层中，然后流入接收阱。 低噪声充电增益电路还接收对应于在相关联的单元上累积的电荷的电压信号。 流入接收阱的电荷量取决于该电压信号。

公开(公告)号：US07929035B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-19

申请号：US11683868

申请日：2007-03-08

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/00

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi-1−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号Di = Si-Pi-1-G *（Ri-Ri-1），其中S是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平， 并且G是与像素单元相关联的增益，并且其中i是大于0的帧数。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US20100258847A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-14

申请号：US12780708

申请日：2010-05-14

申请人： Mark Wadsworth

发明人： Mark Wadsworth

IPC分类号： H01L27/148

CPC分类号： H01L27/14683 ,  H01L27/1462 ,  H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/1485

摘要： A six-phase charge coupled device (CCD) pixel includes a pixel pair, with each pixel having two adjacent control gates overlying corresponding variable potential wells, where voltages applied to the control gates enable charge to be accumulated into and transferred out of the wells. A clear window region overlies a fixed potential gradient region, decreasing in potential away from the control gates. This region enables a wide band of photons to be sensed by the photosensitive silicon of the CCD. The decreasing potential levels facilitate high charge transfer efficiency (i.e., high CTE) from pixel to pixel via the control or transfer gates. By applying particular voltages to the control gates, charge can be quickly and efficiently transferred between pixels. In addition, the window provides a self aligned mask for the implantation steps and thus prevents the formation of pockets (or wells) due to misalignments that decrease the charge transfer efficiency and causes non-uniformity problems as associated with prior art. Furthermore the window provides a flat region that can be covered with an anti-reflective (AR) coating layer, thus further increasing the quantum efficiency.

摘要翻译： 六相电荷耦合器件（CCD）像素包括像素对，其中每个像素具有覆盖相应的可变势阱的两个相邻的控制栅极，其中施加到控制栅极的电压使得电荷能够积累并输出到阱中。 清晰的窗口区域覆盖固定的电位梯度区域，电位远离控制栅极减小。 该区域使得能够通过CCD的感光硅感测宽带光子。 降低的电位电平有助于通过控制或传输门从像素到像素的高电荷转移效率（即高CTE）。 通过对控制栅极施加特定的电压，可以在像素之间快速有效地传送电荷。 此外，窗口为植入步骤提供自对准的掩模，并且因此防止由于未对准而导致的口袋（或孔）的形成，这会降低电荷转移效率并引起与现有技术相关的不均匀性问题。 此外，窗口提供可以用抗反射（AR）涂层覆盖的平坦区域，从而进一步增加量子效率。

公开(公告)号：US08334917B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-18

申请号：US13051428

申请日：2011-03-18

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/00

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi-1−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号Di = Si-Pi-1-G *（Ri-Ri-1），其中S是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平， 并且G是与像素单元相关联的增益，并且其中i是大于0的帧数。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US07112874B2

公开(公告)日：2006-09-26

申请号：US10442542

申请日：2003-05-20

申请人： Eugene Atlas

发明人： Eugene Atlas

IPC分类号： H01L23/02

CPC分类号： H01L24/13 ,  H01L21/3043 ,  H01L21/78 ,  H01L23/3114 ,  H01L23/3178 ,  H01L2224/13 ,  H01L2224/13099 ,  H01L2924/01004 ,  H01L2924/01005 ,  H01L2924/01006 ,  H01L2924/01013 ,  H01L2924/01023 ,  H01L2924/01027 ,  H01L2924/01033 ,  H01L2924/014 ,  H01L2924/12042 ,  H01L2924/14 ,  H01L2924/1433 ,  H01L2924/19041 ,  H01L2924/19043 ,  H01L2924/00

摘要： Methods of forming a multi-segment chip or integrated circuit device are provided. The multi-segment chip may comprise at least two blocks, such as an analog integrated circuit block and a digital integrated circuit block, with substrates that are isolated from each other. Thus, each block may have independent operation voltage or other characteristics.

公开(公告)号：US08405017B2

公开(公告)日：2013-03-26

申请号：US12969387

申请日：2010-12-15

申请人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

发明人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3696 ,  H04N5/37452

摘要： In one aspect, the present invention provides an active pixel sensor array with optimized matching between pixels and strength and frequency of incoming signals such as photons absorbed. The array comprises multiple pixels of individual geometry corresponds to spatial location. Each pixel full-well is adjustable via modifiable pixel conversion gain while maintaining pixel linearity. Furthermore each pixel internally stores multiple of extremely high frequency samples. Variable pixel geometry per row is very advantageous for Echelle spectrograph, where pixel heights are aligned with the spectrograph “order separator” where the resolution changes. In combination with variable geometry, externally adjustable full-well provides for superior spectral line separation in spectroscopy applications. In one embodiment multiple time windows with intermittent resets are stored within each pixel. This feature allows for the detection of extreme high frequency consecutive events without saturation such as may be the case with LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy).

摘要翻译： 在一个方面，本发明提供一种有源像素传感器阵列，其具有像素之间的优化匹配，以及诸如所吸收的光子之类的输入信号的强度和频率。 该阵列包括对应于空间位置的单个几何的多个像素。 每个像素全阱可通过可修改的像素转换增益进行调整，同时保持像素线性度。 此外，每个像素内部存储极高频率样本的多个。 对于Echelle光谱仪，每行的可变像素几何非常有利，其中像素高度与分辨率改变的光谱仪顺序分隔符对齐。 结合可变几何形状，外部可调全孔可在光谱应用中提供卓越的光谱线分离。 在一个实施例中，具有间歇复位的多个时间窗口被存储在每个像素内。 该特征允许检测没有饱和的极端高频连续事件，例如可能是LIBS（激光诱导击穿光谱）的情况。

公开(公告)号：US07719036B2

公开(公告)日：2010-05-18

申请号：US11502238

申请日：2006-08-10

申请人： Mark Wadsworth

发明人： Mark Wadsworth

IPC分类号： H01L27/148

CPC分类号： H01L27/14683 ,  H01L27/1462 ,  H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/1485

摘要： A six-phase charge coupled device (CCD) pixel includes a pixel pair, with each pixel having two adjacent control gates overlying corresponding variable potential wells, where voltages applied to the control gates enable charge to be accumulated into and transferred out of the wells. A clear window region overlies a fixed potential gradient region, decreasing in potential away from the control gates. This region enables a wide band of photons to be sensed by the photosensitive silicon of the CCD. The decreasing potential levels facilitate high charge transfer efficiency (i.e., high CTE) from pixel to pixel via the control or transfer gates. By applying particular voltages to the control gates, charge can be quickly and efficiently transferred between pixels. In addition, the window provides a self aligned mask for the implantation steps and thus prevents the formation of pockets (or wells) due to misalignments that decrease the charge transfer efficiency and causes non-uniformity problems as associated with prior art. Furthermore the window provides a flat region that can be covered with an anti-reflective (AR) coating layer, thus further increasing the quantum efficiency.

摘要翻译： 六相电荷耦合器件（CCD）像素包括像素对，其中每个像素具有覆盖相应的可变势阱的两个相邻的控制栅极，其中施加到控制栅极的电压使得电荷能够积累并输出到阱中。 清晰的窗口区域覆盖固定的电位梯度区域，电位远离控制栅极减小。 该区域使得能够通过CCD的感光硅感测宽带光子。 降低的电位电平有助于通过控制或传输门从像素到像素的高电荷转移效率（即高CTE）。 通过对控制栅极施加特定的电压，可以在像素之间快速有效地传送电荷。 此外，窗口为植入步骤提供自对准的掩模，并且因此防止由于未对准而导致的口袋（或孔）的形成，这会降低电荷转移效率并引起与现有技术相关的不均匀性问题。 此外，窗口提供可以用抗反射（AR）涂层覆盖的平坦区域，从而进一步增加量子效率。

公开(公告)号：US07078670B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-18

申请号：US10936897

申请日：2004-09-09

申请人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard H. Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

发明人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard H. Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H01L27/00 ,  H01J40/14

CPC分类号： G11C19/285 ,  H01L27/14625 ,  H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/1485 ,  H01L29/76816 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/37213 ,  H04N5/3725 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A charge coupled device (CCD) includes a low noise charge gain circuit that amplifies charge of a cell dependent upon the charge accumulated by the cell. The low noise charge gain circuit receives clocking signals, such as from an input diode, which allow charge to accumulate in a reservoir well and then flow into a receiving well. The low noise charge gain circuit also receives a voltage signal corresponding to charge accumulated on an associated cell. The amount of charge flowing into the receiving well depends on this voltage signal.

摘要翻译： 电荷耦合器件（CCD）包括低噪声电荷增益电路，其根据该单元累积的电荷来放大单元的电荷。 低噪声充电增益电路接收时钟信号，例如来自输入二极管，其允许电荷积聚在储层中，然后流入接收阱。 低噪声充电增益电路还接收对应于在相关联的单元上累积的电荷的电压信号。 流入接收阱的电荷量取决于该电压信号。

公开(公告)号：US20110163224A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-07

申请号：US13051428

申请日：2011-03-18

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi-1−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号Di = Si-Pi-1-G *（Ri-Ri-1），其中S是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平， 并且G是与像素单元相关联的增益，并且其中i是大于0的帧数。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US20110155892A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-30

申请号：US12969387

申请日：2010-12-15

申请人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

发明人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3696 ,  H04N5/37452

摘要： In one aspect, the present invention provides an active pixel sensor array with optimized matching between pixels and strength and frequency of incoming signals such as photons absorbed. The array comprises multiple pixels of individual geometry corresponds to spatial location. Each pixel full-well is adjustable via modifiable pixel conversion gain while maintaining pixel linearity. Furthermore each pixel internally stores multiple of extremely high frequency samples. Variable pixel geometry per row is very advantageous for Echelle spectrograph, where pixel heights are aligned with the spectrograph “order separator” where the resolution changes. In combination with variable geometry, externally adjustable full-well provides for superior spectral line separation in spectroscopy applications. In one embodiment multiple time windows with intermittent resets are stored within each pixel. This feature allows for the detection of extreme high frequency consecutive events without saturation such as may be the case with LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy).

摘要翻译： 在一个方面，本发明提供一种有源像素传感器阵列，其具有像素之间的优化匹配，以及诸如所吸收的光子之类的输入信号的强度和频率。 该阵列包括对应于空间位置的单个几何的多个像素。 每个像素全阱可通过可修改的像素转换增益进行调整，同时保持像素线性度。 此外，每个像素内部存储极高频率样本的多个。 对于Echelle光谱仪，每行的可变像素几何非常有利，其中像素高度与分辨率改变的光谱仪“分光器”对齐。 结合可变几何形状，外部可调全孔可在光谱应用中提供卓越的光谱线分离。 在一个实施例中，具有间歇复位的多个时间窗口被存储在每个像素内。 该特征允许检测没有饱和的极端高频连续事件，例如可能是LIBS（激光诱导击穿光谱）的情况。