Engineering the gain-bandwidth product of phototransistor diodes

Dynamically Reconfigurable Data Readout of Pixel Detectors for Automatic Synchronization with Data Acquisition Systems

Reconfigurable detectors with dynamically selectable sensing and readout modes are highly desirable for implementing edge computing as well as enabling advanced imaging techniques such as foveation. The concept of a camera system capable of simultaneous passive imaging and dynamic ranging in different regions of the detector is presented. Such an adaptive-autonomous detector with both spatial and temporal control requires programmable window of exposure (time frames), ability to switch between readout modes such as full-frame imaging and zero-suppressed data, modification of the number of pixel data bits and independent programmability for distinct detector regions. In this work, a method is presented for seamlessly changing time frames and readout modes without data corruption while still ensuring that the data acquisition system (DAQ) does not need to stop and resynchronize at each change of setting, thus avoiding significant dead time. Data throughput is maximized by using a minimum unique data format, rather than lengthy frame headers, to differentiate between consecutive frames. A data control and transmitter (DCT) synchronizes data transfer from the pixel to the periphery, reconfigures the data to transmit it serially off-chip, while providing optimized decision support based on a DAQ definable mode. Measurements on a test structure demonstrate that the DCT can operate at 1 GHz in a 65 nm LP CMOS process.

Recent advances in infrared imagers: toward thermodynamic and quantum limits of photon sensitivity

Infrared detection and imaging are key enabling technologies for a vast number of applications, ranging from communication, to medicine and astronomy, and have recently attracted interest for their potential application in optical interconnects and quantum computing. Nonetheless, infrared detection still constitutes the performance bottleneck for several of these applications, due to a number of unsolved challenges, such as limited quantum efficiency, yield and scalability of the devices, as well as limited sensitivity and low operating temperatures. The current commercially dominating technologies are based on planar semiconducting PIN or avalanche detectors. However, recent developments in semiconductor technology and nano-scale materials have enabled significant technological advancement, demonstrating the potential for groundbreaking achievements in the field. We review the recent progress in the most prominent novel detection technologies, and evaluate their advantages, limitations, and prospects. We further offer a perspective on the main fundamental limits on the detectors sensitivity, and we discuss the technological challenges that need to be addressed for significative advancement of the field. Finally, we present a set of potential system-wide strategies, including nanoscale and low-dimensional detectors, light coupling enhancement strategies, advanced read-out circuitry, neuromorphic and curved image sensors, aimed at improving the overall imagers performance.