Radiation detector and charge transport device for use in signal processing systems having a stepped potential gradient means
AssigneeBall Corporation
InventorWayne W. Frame
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A charge transport apparatus for use in a signal information system (10) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a detector (18), having a number of radiation sensitive elements (24), for receiving a radiation signal (14) and generating electrical charge responsive to the received signal (14). The resulting charge is conveyed to a readout port area (32) by impressing a stepped potential gradient or a potential field with a varying sweep rate on the detector (18). The stepped potential gradient or variably swept potential field is communicated to the detector (18) via underlying tines (38).
Claims45
An apparatus for use in a signal information system, comprising:
- detector means for receiving a radiation signal and generating an electrical charge in response to said radiation signal, said detector means includes a readout port and extends over a defined area;
- and
- stepped potential gradient means for producing a stepped potential gradient to convey charge from said detector means to said readout port, said stepped potential gradient having a first potential at a first portion of said detector means, a second potential that is different than said first potential at a second portion of said detector means, and a potential discontinuity between said first potential and said second potential.
An apparatus for use in a signal processing system, comprising:
- means for receiving a radiation signal and generating an electrical charge in response to said radiation signal, said means for receiving including a first side, a second side, and a readout port, located adjacent said second side, for communicating said electrical charge with other componentry;
- and
- means for applying a potential signal to said means for receiving that sweeps from said first side to said second side of said means for receiving at a varying rate.
An apparatus for use in a signal processing system, comprising:
- detector means for receiving a radiation signal and generating an electrical charge that is representative of said radiation signal, said detector means includes a plurality of concentric and at least partly annular pixels, and a first side, a second side, and a readout port located adjacent said second side;
- and
- means for applying an electrical field to said detector to move said electrical charge towards said readout port, said means includes a plurality of electrodes that underlie said detector means.
An apparatus for use in a signed processing system, comprising:
- a detector for receiving a radiation signal and generating an electrical charge that is representative of said radiation signal, said detector includes a readout port;
- and
- a potential gradient generator for applying a potential gradient to said detector to cause said electrical charge to move toward said readout port, said potential gradient generator includes a voltage divider that is laterally displaced from said detector and produces a plurality of substantially discrete voltages, and a plurality of tines, underlying said detector, for applying said plurality of substantially discrete voltage to said detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.