Infrared to visible light image conversion device
AssigneeHE Holdings, Inc.
InventorRobert S. Hayes
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Abstract
An image conversion device (14) comprising a detector (38) for detecting an infrared image and an image converter (40) for converting the infrared image to a visible image. The detector (38) and the image converter (40) are disposed on a single substrate. The detector (38) includes an array of multiple quantum well detectors (38) formed of GaAs or GaAlAs. The image converter (40) includes an array of light emitting diodes formed of GaAsP deposited on the array of multiple quantum well detectors (38). A photoemissive surface (28) is formed on the array of light emitting diodes (40) and a phosphor screen (30) displays the visible image.
Claims16
An image conversion device comprising:
- first means disposed on a substrate for detecting an infrared image, said first means including an array of multiple quantum well detectors;
- and
- second means disposed on said first means for converting the detected infrared image to a visible image, whereby said first means and said second means comprise a single monolithic assembly.
An image conversion device comprising:
- a monolithic array including quantum well detectors for detecting an infrared image and light emitting diodes disposed on and in contact with said detectors for converting the detected infrared image to a visible image.
An image conversion system comprising:
- means for receiving an infrared image;
- means adjacent to the receiving means for detecting the infrared image, said detecting means including an array of multiple quantum well detectors;
- means monolithic with the detecting means for converting the detected infrared image to a visible image;
- and
- means adjacent to the converting means for transmitting the visible image.
A method of fabricating an image conversion device, comprising the steps of:
- depositing layers of GaAs and GaAlAs on a GaAs substrate to form quantum well detectors;
- and
- depositing a layer of GaAsP on the layers of GaAs and GaAlAs to form light emitting diodes.
An image conversion device comprising:
- means disposed on a substrate for detecting an infrared image, the detecting means including an array of multiple quantum well detectors formed of GaAs and GaAlAs and
- means disposed on said substrate for converting the detected infrared image to a visible image including an array of light emitting diodes formed of GaAsP deposited on the array of multiple quantum well detectors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.