ARRAY OF THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS FOR SCANNING LARGE AREA IMAGE BEARING SURFACE

摘要

ODS-0041F Apparatus for generating electronic signals which are representative of a detectable condition on an image-bearing surface. The apparatus includes an elongated array of distinct thin film photosensitive elements formed on a common flexible large area substrate. The elongated array of photosensitive elements are fabricated as a large area, photovoltaic structure formed of a plurality of thin film layers, including a first layer of thin film conductive material. The discrete photosensitive elements are defined by patterning of the conductive layer into shaped regions which determine the overall configuration and dimensions of each element. The novel apparatus utilizes a large area linear array of amorphous silicon alloy photosensitive elements and is adapted to provide automatic adjustment for sensor and circuit variables as well as for changes in the intensity of image illumination. The apparatus includes an arm adapted to move over at least a portion of the surface, the arm having said elongated array of discrete photosensitive elements mounted thereupon. The array of discrete photosensitive elements is formed on a flexible substrate so as to read the detectable conditions of a non-planar, image bearing surface. The imaging apparatus may include a lensless optical system for directing light from each particular surface portion onto a corresponding photosensitive element. Finally, each of said elements may be provided with a filter adapted to limit the photogeneration of charge carriers by each element to specific wavelengths of light.