In-pixel amplification device and method
AssigneesImec Vzw, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
InventorsJonathan Borremans, Linkun Wu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pixel for converting incident subatomic particles into an output voltage signal is disclosed. In one aspect, the pixel includes a photo-detector adapted to receive incident subatomic particles and generate an input voltage signal corresponding to an intensity of the received particles. The pixel also includes a passive amplifier adapted to passively amplify the input voltage signal to generate an output voltage signal. The passive amplification reduces the noise of the output voltage signal, and may have a higher quantum efficiency than typical in-pixel amplification devices and methods.
Claims17
A pixel for converting incident subatomic particles into an output voltage signal, the pixel comprising:
- a particle-detector adapted to receive subatomic particles and generate an input voltage signal corresponding to an intensity of the received subatomic particles;
- and
- a passive amplifier comprising:
- a voltage-controlled capacitor adapted to receive and store the input voltage signal at a first terminal, wherein the capacitance of the voltage-controlled capacitor is variable between a first capacitance and a second capacitance in response to a capacitor control voltage, wherein the voltage-controlled capacitor comprises:
- the first terminal,
- a second terminal adapted to receive the capacitor control voltage, and
- a third terminal connected to a constant voltage supply, and wherein the capacitor control voltage at the second terminal controls the capacitance of the voltage-controlled capacitor;
- and
- a first switch, connected to the first terminal of the voltage-controlled capacitor, adapted to selectively provide the input voltage signal to the voltage-controlled capacitor,
- wherein varying the voltage-controlled capacitor from the first capacitance to the second capacitance subjects the input voltage signal stored at the first terminal to a gain, thereby generating an output voltage signal at the first terminal.
A method of providing an output voltage signal indicative of incident subatomic particles, the method comprising:
- receiving subatomic particles at a particle-detector and thereby generating an input voltage signal corresponding to an associated intensity of the received subatomic particles;
- selectively passing the input voltage signal to a first terminal of a voltage-controlled capacitor and storing the input voltage signal at the first terminal of the voltage-controlled capacitor, wherein the voltage-controlled capacitor is at a first capacitance, wherein the voltage-controlled capacitor comprises:
- the first terminal,
- a second terminal adapted to receive the capacitor control voltage, and
- a third terminal connected to a constant voltage supply, and wherein the capacitor control voltage at the second terminal controls the capacitance of the voltage-controlled capacitor;
- and
- varying the capacitance of the voltage-controlled capacitor from the first capacitance to a second capacitance, thereby subjecting the input voltage signal to a gain to generate an output voltage signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.