18746425. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Yasuharu Ota of Kawasaki-shi (JP)
Yukihiro Kuroda of Inagi-shi (JP)
PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18746425 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND MOVING BODY
The patent application describes a photoelectric conversion device with an avalanche multiplying photodiode, a signal generation unit, and a counter.
- The device includes a control unit that regulates the applied voltage to the photodiode and generates a photon detection pulse when a photon hits the photodiode.
- The counter tallies the photon detection pulses and emits a setting value detection signal when the count reaches a predetermined setting value.
- Upon receiving the setting value detection signal, the control unit adjusts the applied voltage to halt the generation of an avalanche current in the photodiode.
Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in photon detection systems for scientific research. - It can also be applied in imaging devices for low-light conditions.
Problems Solved: - Efficiently detecting photons and controlling avalanche currents in photodiodes.
Benefits: - Enhanced photon detection accuracy. - Improved control over avalanche currents in photodiodes.
Commercial Applications: Title: Photon Detection System for Scientific Research and Imaging Devices This technology can be utilized in scientific research labs for photon detection experiments and in imaging devices for low-light photography.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the control unit regulate the applied voltage to the photodiode? The control unit adjusts the voltage based on the output generated by the photodiode when a photon is detected.
2. What is the significance of halting the generation of an avalanche current in the photodiode? Stopping the avalanche current helps prevent damage to the photodiode and ensures accurate photon detection.
Original Abstract Submitted
A photoelectric conversion device includes an avalanche multiplying photodiode, a signal generation unit that includes a control unit configured to control an applied voltage to the photodiode and generates a photon detection pulse based on an output generated by incidence of a photon to the photodiode, and a counter that counts the photon detection pulse output from the signal generation unit, and the counter outputs a setting value detection signal when a count value of the photon detection pulse reaches a predetermined setting value, and in response to receiving the setting value detection signal, the control unit controls the applied voltage to the photodiode so as to stop generation of an avalanche current in the photodiode.
