Abstract:
Disclosed are various embodiments of a light guide and corresponding ambient light sensor, computing device and backlit display for use in a portable electronic device. The various embodiments of the light guide are configured to permit ambient light to be collected efficiently and accurately over wide angles of incidence, even under low-ambient-light conditions. The efficient and accurate collection of ambient light by the various embodiments of the light guide disclosed herein may be employed to more accurately control the amount and degree of backlighting provided to a backlit display, which in turn can be used to conserve valuable battery power in a portable electronic device.
Abstract:
According to an embodiment, a measuring device for measuring a laser beam comprises a magnification lens system with a total of two lenses which are arranged in series in the beam path of the laser beam and whose foci are coinciding, as well as a camera which is arranged behind the two lenses in the focus of the last lens and includes an electronic image sensor which generates an electronic image of the magnified laser beam. The lenses together with the camera are adjustable along the beam path relative to a reference point of the measuring device, for the purpose of locating the beam waist of the laser beam and of determining a diameter profile of the laser beam. The measuring device further comprises an adapter enclosing the beam path for coupling the measuring device to a laser system which provides the laser beam. The adapter forms an abutment surface or the laser system, which is axially directed with respect to a beam axis of the laser beam, and permits the measuring device to be coupled in situ at the installation site of the laser system.
Abstract:
A power and energy (PE) meter includes a sensor head comprising a sensor which absorbs EM radiation that impinges on it, and a heat sink with which the sensor is in thermal contact. The heat sink includes a through-hole behind the sensor which allows at least some of the EM radiation which is not absorbed by the sensor to pass through the heat sink without being absorbed. A means of applying mechanical pressure is preferably employed to hold the sensor in thermal contact with the heat sink. A capture head and shroud may be mounted behind and physically separate from the sensor head, and arranged to absorb at least some of the radiation which is not absorbed by the sensor head.
Abstract:
An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity.
Abstract:
Colorimetric sensors comprising a reflective surface and a curable layer are disclosed. Devices comprising the colorimetric sensors and methods of making the sensors and devices are also disclosed. Methods of using the sensors and devices in numerous applications are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An image sensor which may maximize the optical integrity by maximizing the amount of incident light through a microlens layer and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a pixel region, a microlens layer, and at least one microlens. The microlens layer may include a plurality of microlenses on the pixel region. At least one microlens has a shape different from the rest of the microlenses.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for measuring partial discharge using a UV sensor array. The apparatus includes a UV sensor array including plural sensors detecting UV rays from an analyzing target of a power facility at a location separated a predetermined distance from the target and converting the UV rays into discharge current, an image measurement unit measuring the distance between the sensor array and the target and supplying an actual image of the target, a UV intensity detection unit measuring intensity of the discharge current converted from the UV rays detected by the sensor array, and a UV location detection unit analyzing and outputting a UV emitting location obtained by matching the discharge current intensity measured by the UV intensity detection unit to combined data of the actual image of the target supplied from the image measurement unit and sensor locations of the sensor array.
Abstract:
A high time-resolution ultrasensitive optical detector, using a planar waveguide leakage mode, and methods for making the detector. The detector includes a stacking with a dielectric substrate, a detection element, first and second dielectric layers, and a dielectric superstrate configured to send photon(s) into the light guide formed by the first layer. The thicknesses of the layers is chosen to enable a resonant coupling between the photon(s) and a leakage mode of the guide, the stacking having an absorption resonance linked to the leakage mode for a given polarization of the photon(s).
Abstract:
Rotary shutter assemblies for imaging photometers and methods for using such shutters are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for capturing an image with an imaging photometer can include positioning a rotary shutter having an aperture at a first position such that the shutter blocks light traveling along an optical axis from a light source being measured to an image sensor of the photometer. The method can include pivotably moving the shutter at a generally constant angular speed to a second position with the aperture aligned with the optical axis to expose at least a portion of the image sensor to the light for a first predetermined exposure time. After exposing each portion of the image sensor to the light for the first exposure time, the method can include pivotably moving the shutter at the angular speed to a third position such the aperture is not aligned the optical axis, and then pivotably moving the shutter from the third position back to the first position without rotating the shutter 360 degrees.
Abstract:
A microlens structure that includes a wedge formed to support and tilt the microlens is disclosed. The wedge results from heating a layer of patterned flowable material. The degree and direction of incline given to the wedge can be controlled in part by the type of patterning that is performed.