Quantum tunneling photodetector array
OwnerMarek T. Michalewiczinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A quantum tunneling photodetector array and a method of generating an image. The photodetector array comprises an array of pairs of opposing first and second electrodes; a photo-sensitive insulating material disposed between the opposing first and second electrodes of the respective pairs; an electrical circuit for detecting photo-assisted quantum tunneling currents between the opposing first and second electrode of the respective pairs.
Claims21
A quantum tunneling photodetector array comprising;
- an array of pairs of opposing first and second electrodes;
- a photo-sensitive insulating material disposed between the opposing first and second electrodes of the respective pairs;
- and
- an electrical circuit for detecting photo-assisted quantum tunneling currents between the opposing first and second electrode of the respective pairs.
The photodetector array as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of opposing first and second electrodes comprises a cross-grid of a first set of electrode wires and a second set of electrode wires, such that the first and second electrodes are constituted as opposing sections of the electrode wires of the first and second sets at projected cross-points of the cross-grid.
The photodetector array as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical circuit further comprises a source for applying a potential difference across the first and second opposing electrodes.
A method of generating an image comprising using a quantum tunneling photodetector array as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
A method of generating an image comprising the steps of:
- detecting photo-assisted quantum tunneling currents between opposing first and second electrodes of respective ones of an array of pairs of the opposing first and second electrodes;
- and
- generating the image based on the respective detected photo-assisted tunnelling currents between the opposing first and second electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.