Patent ID: 8530825
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: G01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A pixel structure for sensing electromagnetic (EM) radiant energy within a spectral range of interest, the structure comprising: a first waveguide having tapered core with an aperture at its wider end for admitting the EM radiant energy, and a depth dimension extending from the aperture towards the narrower end of the core, the core having cladding disposed thereabout, the core and the cladding both being transmissive of EM radiant energy within the spectral range of interest; the core being tapered in at least one dimension to cause EM radiant energy in the spectral range admitted via the aperture to reach a cladding penetration state at depths depending on the wavelength of the radiant energy, such that a wave having a longer wavelength would be emitted via the cladding at shallower depth than a wave having a shorter wavelength; at least two detectors positioned to receive radiant energy exiting from points at different depths of the cladding and serving to convert the EM radiant energy to an electrical signal, each of the detectors producing an electrical output signal indicative of the intensity of a different band of wavelengths of the EM radiant energy incident on the aperture.