Patent ID: 9116040
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
1. Device for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprising: a photodetector provided with two terminals; a control circuit configured to convert the current issued by the photodetector into a first electrical variable by means of a load; a pixel including the photodetector and the control circuit, the pixel being provided with an output terminal designed to be connected to an analysis circuit; a biasing circuit of the photodetector configured to apply a first potential difference across the terminals of the photodetector in a first detecting mode and configured so that one of the terminals of the photodetector is at a floating potential in a second detecting mode, the second detecting mode being a photovoltaic detecting mode whereby the photodetector generates a voltage signal which has a logarithmic relationship to radiation flux received: a connecting circuit configured to connect the control circuit with the output terminal of the pixel and with the photodetector when the photodetector is in the first detecting mode, and configured to disconnect the control circuit from the output terminal of the pixel and the photodetector when the photodetector is in the second detecting mode; a switch connecting the photodetector to the output terminal of the pixel and configured to be in the blocking state when the photodetector is in the first detecting mode and to be in the passing state when the photodetector is in the second detecting mode; and a comparator configured to compare the voltage across the load with respect to a threshold value and configured to deliver a first signal or a second signal according to the comparison, the comparator being connected to the connecting circuit and to the switch.