US4096512A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Monolithic light detector
Assignee: QT Optoelectronics Inc
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Filing: 1977-03-09
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Granted: 1978-06-20
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Expires: 1997-03-09
Abstract
Abstract A highly sensitive light detector is described which employs two interdigitated PN junction light detectors, one of which is covered by an opaque material. The one covered by opaque material is used as a standard for eliminating dark current efffects.
Inventors
- 👤 Murray Arthur Polinsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:13
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331; H10F77/334; H10F30/00; H10F30/20; H10F30/21; H10F30/22; H10F30/221; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/103
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A monolithic light detector comprising: (a) a substrate of semiconductor material predominantly of one conductivity type, said substrate having a surface; (b) a pair of identically shaped regions having a conductivity type opposite that of said substrate which extend into said surface of said substrate and form PN junctions with said substrate, each of said regions comprising a plurality of fingers, the fingers of one of said regions being interdigitated with the fingers of the other of said regions; (c) an opaque covering extending over one of said regions and its associated PN junction; and (d) means for making electrical contact to said substrate and to each of said regions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A monolithic light detector comprising: (a) a substrate of semiconductor material predominantly of one conductivity type, said substrate having a surface; (b) a pair of identically shaped regions having a conductivity type opposite that of said substrate which extend into said surface of said substrate and form PN junctions with said substrate, each of said regions comprising a plurality of fingers, the fingers of one of said regions being interdigitated with the fingers of the other of said regions; (c) an opaque covering extending over one of said regions and its associated PN junction; and (d) means for making electrical contact to said substrate and to each of said regions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 1 wherein said substrate is comprised of N type silicon and said regions are P type silicon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 1 wherein said means for making electrical contact comprise metal conductors which make ohmic contact to the substrate and to each of the regions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 3 wherein said opaque covering is comprised of one of said metal conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 4 wherein said conductors are comprised of aluminum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 1 further comprising an insulating layer overlying the pair of regions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 6 wherein said insulating layer has a color associated with its thickness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 7 wherein the thickness of said insulating layer is selected to alter the sensitivity of the light detector to particular frequencies of light.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 8 wherein said substrate is comprised of silicon and said insulator is comprised of silicon dioxide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The monolithic light detector of claim 9 wherein said insulator is between 500A thick and 12,000A thick.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-12-19 | 1982-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-19 | 1985-12-19 | 1986-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-19 | 1989-12-19 | 1990-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |