Patent ID: 6940589
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. An optical measurement apparatus, comprising: a photon detecting portion detecting incident photons; a time signal outputting portion outputting time signals; and a storing portion storing a time signal that is outputted from the time signal outputting portion at the time when the photon detecting portion detects photons; wherein the photon detecting portion includes: a photodetector outputting an output signal in response to incidence of photons; and a peak holding circuit detecting the output signal supplied from the photodetector and holding a peak thereof; wherein the storing portion includes: a comparing portion comparing the output signal detected by the peak holding circuit with a predetermined threshold value and outputting a trigger signal when a predetermined delay time has elapsed after the output signal has become larger than the threshold value; and a storage controlling portion storing the time signal upon receipt of the trigger signal.