The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 1993
Filed:
Feb. 05, 1992
Peter K Trost, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Albert J Lieber, Del Mar, CA (US);
General Atomics, San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
An integrated LIDAR receiver includes a single detection element to provide both imaging and ranging functions. The single detection element includes an opaque photocathode, a microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier, and a phosphor coated anode covered with a metalized layer. The metalized layer on the phosphor anode allows electrons striking the anode to be detected as a prompt electrical current and used as a first output signal to provide ranging information. Visible light (photons) is also output from the anode in response to electrons striking the phosphor in the anode, and is used to provide an intensified image of a scene. The visible light may thereafter be detected by an imaging sensor, such as a CCD camera. The phosphor anode is biased at ground potential. A transimpedance amplifier is coupled to the metalized layer on the phosphor anode and, with the anode being at ground potential, operates with a virtual null input.