IN-PIXEL AMPLIFICATION DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

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.

主权项

1. 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; anda 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.