Detector responsive to interactions of varying intensity

摘要

A detector comprising control circuitry and a sensor in which the detector comprises three layers. The first layer includes a first set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements and a second set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements. The third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, and the second layer extends between the first and third layers. The electrical conductivity of the second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the interactions. In a first mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and third layers to generate a first current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the first current. In a second mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and second sets of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the second current.

主权项

1. A detector comprising a sensor and a control circuit in which:
said sensor is responsive to interactions of varying intensities, and comprises a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, wherein
said first layer includes a first set of electrically conducting elements which are mutually connected and a second set of electrically conducting elements which are mutually connected,said third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, andsaid second layer extends between said first layer and said third layer and the electrical conductivity of said second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of said interactions; and said control circuit is configured to:
in a first mode of operation, apply voltage between said first layer and said third layer to generate a first current through said second layer, and thereby obtain a measurement of a first electrical characteristic which depends upon electrical resistance of said second layer; andin a second mode of operation, apply voltage between said first set of electrically conducting elements and said second set of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through said second layer, and thereby obtain a measurement of a second electrical characteristic which depends upon electrical resistance of said second layer; wherein: when operated in said first mode, said sensor is sensitive to an initial first range of intensities of interactions; and when operated in said second mode, said sensor is less sensitive over said first initial range of intensities but provides a varying output over a second range of intensities that is substantially greater than said first range of intensities.