Redundant linear detection arrays
AssigneeLucent Technologies Inc.
InventorKeith Wayne Goossen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A detector array for detecting an optical signal includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel has a plurality of detector elements coupled together in a redundant configuration such that the detector array maintains a substantially uniform response even if each of the pixels includes a number of defective detector elements. The optical signal is lengthened in the direction normal to the information vector, so that each detector element is exposed to the same portion of the optical signal. A bad-element sensor is coupled to each detector element, which is functionally responsive to the detection of a bad detector element.
Claims21
An optical system including a detector array which is illuminated by an optical signal, said system comprising:
- a plurality of optical pixels responsive to optical illumination;
- and
- N detector elements coupled together in a redundant configuration to form each of said plurality of optical pixels, N being greater than an inverse of a given level of uniformity for said detector array;
- wherein said detector array maintains a substantially uniform response when said N detector elements include a number of defective detector elements.
A detector array for detecting an optical signal, said detector array comprising:
- a plurality of pixels responsive to optical illumination;
- and
- a plurality of detector elements coupled together in a redundant configuration to form each of said plurality of pixels, the number of said detector elements being greater than an inverse of a given level of uniformity for said detector array;
- wherein said detector array maintains a substantially uniform response even if each of said plurality of pixels includes a number of defective detector elements.
A method for increasing uniformity of response in a detector array which is responsive to an optical signal, said detector array having a given number of optical pixels, said method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a given number of detectors for each of said given number of optical pixels such that said number of detectors is greater than an inverse of a given level of uniformity for said detector array, wherein one of said detectors is considered defective if a performance level of said one is below said given level of uniformity for said detector array;
- and,
- arranging said given number of detectors in a redundant configuration such that presence of a bad detector maintains said given level of uniformity for said detector array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.