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Active pixel sensor array with electronic shuttering

  • US 6,486,503 B1
  • Filed: 01/22/1997
  • Issued: 11/26/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An optical device, comprising:

  • a substrate of a semiconductor material;

    a light collection area, formed in said substrate, and comprising a photogate and a first optical storage area which is controlled by said photogate, said first optical storage area operating to accumulate optical charge under control of said photogate;

    a supplemental charge storage area formed in said substrate, physically separated from said first optical storage area and disposed adjacent to said light collection area;

    a charge transfer mechanism formed in said substrate and coupled between said first optical storage area and said supplemental charge storage area, said charge transfer mechanism being selectively actuated to allow transfer of charge in said first optical storage area to said supplemental charge storage area;

    a floating output node formed on said substrate and connected to selectively receive charge from said supplemental charge storage area;

    a transfer element which transfers charge from said supplemental charge storage area to said floating output node; and

    a correlated double sampling element, comprising a first element, operating to sample a voltage on said floating output node prior to transfer of charge thereto, and a second element operating to sample a voltage on said floating output node after transfer of charge thereto.

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