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:
Jul. 26, 2005
Filed:
Sep. 21, 2000
Robert J. Martin, Orlando, FL (US);
Robert J. Martin, Orlando, FL (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
An infrared photodetector includes at least two quantum well layers with depths adjusted to provide different peak spectral responses. A readout circuit includes first and second charge wells for receiving moving charges from the photodetector. The readout circuit also includes a switching mechanism for selectively switching the second charge well in parallel with the first charge well, to vary the integration time of the moving charges. Switching the second charge well in parallel with the first charge well increases the dynamic range of the system. The switching can be based on one or more of a) a range to a target that is being detected by the photodetector, b) a brightness (e.g. in the infrared range) of the target, c) a rate charge of the first charge well, and d) a remaining capacity of the first charge well.