Integrated circuit sensor and detector and spectrometers incorporating the sensor

A sensor for electrical charge comprising:

• a) an electrode for receiving charge;
• b) means connected to said electrode for initially setting the potential of said electrode to a selected potential;
• c) potential sensitive switching means connected to said electrode for monitoring the potential of said electrode, said switching means switching state whenever the potential of said electrode deviates from said initially set potential by more than a preselected amount;
• d) means connected to said electrode for immediately restoring the potential of said electrode
• to substantially said selected potential whenever said switching means switches state;
• e) means connected to said switching means for continuously restoring the potential of said electrode towards said selected potential;
• and
• f) means connected to said switching means for counting the number of times said switching means switches state to provide an indication of the electrical charge received by said electrode;
• wherein said electrode, said means for initially setting said electrode potential, said potential sensitive switching means, said means for restoring and said means for counting are fabricated as an integrated circuit.

A sensor for electrical charge comprising:

• a) an electrode for receiving charge;
• b) means connected to said electrode for initially setting the potential of said electrode to a selected potential;
• c) potential sensitive switching means connected to said electrode for monitoring the potential of said electrode, said switching means switching state whenever the potential of said electrode deviates from said initially set potential by more than a preselected amount;
• d) means connected to said electrode for continuously restoring the potential of said electrode towards said selected potential;
• and
• e) means connected to said switching means for counting the number of times said switching means switches state to provide an indication of the electrical charge received by said electrode;
• wherein said electrode, said means for initially setting said electrode potential, said switching means, said means for restoring and said means for counting are fabricated as an integrated circuit.