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:
Jun. 15, 1993
Filed:
Apr. 30, 1992
Albert J Lieber, Del Mar, CA (US);
Peter K Trost, Carlsbad, 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. The prompt electrical current is detected through a transformer that couples the anode to a power supply. The power supply biases the anode relative to the MCP and photocathode such that the MCP is grounded. The use of a transformer allows the prompt anode current to be detected without having to ground the anode, thereby simplifying the power supply circuitry. The detection of the prompt electrical current provides a first output signal useful for 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.