Compact THz focal plane imaging array with integrated context imaging sensors and antennae matrix

A monolithic focal plane array (FPA) of an imaging system includes an array of multiple pixel unit cells disposed on a substrate. Each pixel unit cell includes: a first array of THz antennae disposed on a top layer of the substrate, and a second array of context imaging pixels disposed on the top layer of the substrate. The first and second arrays are interleaved on the top layer of the substrate. In addition, each THz antenna in the first array is shaped either in a bow-tie, circular or tuned waveguide configuration, and each context imaging pixel in the second array is shaped in a circular, or rectangular configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to imaging technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to a compact THz detector with multiple antennae and multiple electronics circuits per pixel cell arranged in a focal plane array.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THz detection has many applications. These applications include concealed weapon detection, surveillance cameras, astronomy, non-destructive material testing, as well as ample biological and medical applications. The most common THz detectors currently available are single, or sparse element scanning systems, which typically use heterodyne detection with high speed Schottky diode mixers.

However, there are many shortcomings with current THz detectors. There is an ever present need for THz detectors with a higher quantum efficiency, a higher level of detector integration in low cost, non-bulky systems, and an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet this and other needs, and in view of its purposes, the present invention provides a monolithic focal plane array (FPA) comprising: an array of multiple pixel unit cells disposed on a substrate. Each pixel unit cell includes: (a) a first array of THz antennae disposed on a top layer of the substrate, and (b) a second array of context imaging pixels disposed on the top layer of the substrate. The first and second arrays are interleaved on the top layer of the substrate.

Each THz antenna in the first array is shaped in a bow-tie configuration, and each context imaging pixel in the second array is shaped in a circular, or rectangular configuration. The bow-tie configuration includes two triangles extending away from a common apex and ending in two opposing bases. A column of the first array includes a vertical line passing through respective apexes of multiple THz antennae disposed in the column. A context imaging pixel of the second array is disposed along the vertical line between two THz antennae disposed in the column.

A semiconductor layer is disposed below the top layer of the substrate. The semiconductor layer includes first and second circuits for processing signals received from the first and second arrays, respectively. An interconnect layer is disposed between the top layer and the semiconductor layer for providing couplings between the first and second arrays and the first and second circuits, respectively. The first circuit includes a summing circuit for summing each signal from a THz antenna disposed in the first array, and the first circuit provides a pixel output representing a summation of signals from the THz antennae disposed in the first array of a single pixel unit cell.

A mixer is included for multiplying each signal from the THz antenna with a signal from a local oscillator and providing the multiplied signal from the mixer to the summing circuit. A waveguide is included for coupling each signal from the THz antenna with the mixer.

The second circuit includes an averaging circuit for averaging signals received from the context imaging pixels in the second array, and the second circuit provides a pixel output representing an average of the context imaging pixels disposed in the second array of a single pixel unit cell.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a monolithic focal plane array (FPA) comprising an array of multiple pixel unit cells disposed on a substrate. Each pixel unit cell includes: (a) a first array of rows and columns of THz antennae disposed on a top layer of the substrate, and (b) a second array of rows and columns of context imaging pixels disposed on the top layer of the substrate. The first array and the second array are interleaved on the top layer, and the first array is denser in pitch than the second array.

Each THz antenna in the first array is configured to detect a signal in a THz band, and each context imaging pixel in the second array is configured to detect a signal in a visible band or a short wave infrared (SWIR) band.

The THz antennae are each configured as a dipole, in which each dipole is disposed in a respective row and column of the first array. Each dipole is spaced by an area from each other dipole, the area defined as a dipole-free area, and each context imaging pixel in the second array is disposed in a dipole-free area. The total number of dipole free areas are greater than a number of context imaging pixels in the second array.

The rows and columns of the first array of one pixel unit cell includes THz antennae that are vertically polarized, and the rows and columns of the first array of an adjacent pixel unit cell includes THz antennae that are horizontally polarized.

The rows and columns of the first array of one pixel unit cell includes THz antennae that are circularly polarized.

The rows and columns of the first array of one pixel unit cell includes THz antennae that are polarized in one direction, defined at an angle of 0 degrees, and the rows and columns of the first array of an adjacent pixel unit cell includes THz antennae that are polarized in a different direction of 90 degrees from the one direction.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is an imager including a compact focal plane array (FPA) having multiple pixel unit cells. Each pixel unit cell comprises: a first matrix of THz antennae disposed on one layer of a substrate for receiving THz signals, and a second matrix of context imaging pixels disposed on an adjacent layer of the substrate for receiving visible or short wave infrared (SWIR) signals. The first and second matrices are exposed to the THz signals and the SWIR signals impinging on the substrate.

The imager includes a first image processor for processing the FPA using row and column scanners for sequentially scanning a summed signal from each pixel unit cell in the FPA. The summed signal is a summation of signals from each THz antenna in the first matrix. Each summed signal includes a coherent summation of each signal detected by each THz antenna in the first matrix.

The imager includes a second image processor for processing the FPA using row and column scanners for sequentially scanning an averaged signal from each pixel unit cell in the FPA. The averaged signal is an average of signals from each context imaging pixel in the second matrix.

It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a monolithic integrated, high pixel density, THz focal plane array (FPA) sensor, in which each pixel unit cell contains multiple THz antennae and multiple electronics processing elements. The density of THz antennae in each pixel unit cell of the FPA improves the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the integrated THz FPA sensor. The present invention also integrates context imaging pixels, or sensors that are configured to capture visible band and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band signals within each pixel unit cell. The context imaging pixels enhance visualization and interoperability for the user.

FIG. 1is a planar view of a single pixel unit cell of a THz FPA sensor, the pixel unit cell generally designated as10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pixel unit cell10has length and width dimensions of about 300 um by 300 um. The top surface of pixel unit cell10includes a plurality of antennae11and several context imaging pixels12, each arranged in an array formation. Each antenna11disposed on pixel unit cell10has a length dimension of about 75 um and a width dimension of less than 10 um. The number of antennae11on pixel unit cell10, as shown inFIG. 1, may be up to 160 antennae (for example). As shown, antennae array11is configured as an array having 4 columns by 40 rows. Each antenna11is shaped like a bow-tie, as best shown inFIG. 2A,2B, or2C.

Context imaging pixels12, which are shown as rectangular and shaded darker than the antennae array, are also disposed on pixel unit cell10. As shown the context imaging pixels are arranged as an array of 5×5 pixels in each pixel unit cell10. Context imaging pixels12may be configured to capture visible band signals and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) signals. The different relationships amongst the context imaging pixels and each antenna in the antennae array are best shown, as examples, inFIG. 2A,2B, or2C.

Referring next toFIGS. 2A-2C, there is shown multiple arrangements of antennae with context imaging pixels. The antennae shown (20,22,25) are of a bow-tie configuration. Other suitable antennae configurations will be understood by one of skill in the art from the description herein.

As shown inFIG. 2A, context imaging pixels21(three are shown) are positioned adjacent ends of each antenna20(two are shown). This arrangement is similar to the arrangement of context imaging pixels12on pixel unit cell10inFIG. 1. It will be appreciated that although each context imaging pixel21is shown as having a rectangular shape, it may be any other shape, for example, elliptical or circular.

FIG. 2Bdepicts a different arrangement of context imaging pixels in relation to a THz antennae array. As shown, context imaging pixel23(one shown) is positioned between two opposing bow-tie antennae22at the intersection of axes A1and A2, Axis A1vertically bisects bow-tie antennae22at their center points27. Axis A2horizontally bisects the spacing24between the two bow-tie antennae22.

FIG. 2Cshows yet another example of a relationship between multiple context imaging pixels and a THz antennae array (only four are shown). As shown, context imaging pixels26(five are shown) are positioned along horizontal axis A4. Axis A4horizontally bisects spacing28between two rows of antennae25.

It will be understood that the context imaging pixels (21,23, or26), which are depicted inFIGS. 2A-2C, respectively, may be interleaved on a single pixel unit cell (such as pixel unit cell10inFIG. 1). In addition, each THz imaging system includes many pixel unit cells. For example, a THz imaging system may include an array of 800×800 pixel unit cells, in which each pixel unit cell (such as unit cell10) includes an interleaved configuration of multiple context imaging pixels and an antennae array. Assuming a THz imaging system comprised of an array of 800×800 pixel unit cells and assuming the interleaved arrangement shown inFIG. 1of antennae array11and context imaging pixel array12, then there would be 800×800×160 THz antennae and 800×800×25 context imaging pixels in each THz imaging system of the present invention.

The inventors discovered that interferences amongst the context imaging pixels (12,21,23,26) and the antennae (11,20,22,25) are minimal. Therefore, it is contemplated that many different interleaved arrangements of antennae with context imaging pixels on a single pixel unit cell are possible. The figures shown herein include only a few of the possible examples of the present invention.

Referring next toFIG. 3A, there is shown a perspective view of a single pixel unit cell, generally designated as30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pixel unit cell30, as an example, may have nominal in-plane dimensions (Lx, Ly) of about 300 um×300 um. The pixel unit cell30includes several layers, in which only three layers are shown, such as a top planar layer31, a semiconductor layer33, and an interconnect layer32. The interconnect layer is disposed between antenna layer31and semiconductor layer33. The top planar layer31may include two separate deposition layers, a first deposition layer being the antennae array layer (an example shown inFIG. 3B, as antennae array35) and a second deposition layer being the context imaging pixel array layer (an example shown inFIG. 3C, as context imaging pixel array38).

The semiconductor layer33may include a CMOS or BiCMOS substrate. In embodiments where semiconductor layer33includes a CMOS substrate, the THz FPA sensor system may be fabricated in a standard CMOS foundry process, utilizing low bandwidth resistive self-mixing field-effect transistors (FETs). In embodiments where semiconductor layer33includes a BiCMOS substrate, the THz FPA sensor system may be fabricated in a high speed BiCMOS SiGe foundry process (e.g., IBM 9-HP) enabling use of high bandwidth (e.g., greater than about 300 GHz) direct detection amplifiers that are capable of responding at full THz bandwidth.

The interconnect layer32may be an assembly of several layers disposed above semiconductor layer33. Each interconnect layer32may include metallic vias and strips, which allow the antennae array and the context imaging pixel array to be coupled to high gain amplifiers (not shown). The interconnect layer32, as shown, includes multiple waveguides34, with each waveguide34coupling a respective antenna in the antennae array to other circuits, such as high gain amplifiers.

The top planar layer31, as shown, includes a deposition layer of antennae array35and another deposition layer of context imaging pixels array38. Referring toFIG. 3B, there is shown a planar view of antennae array35to be deposited on top of planar layer31, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antennae array35includes a multiplicity of antennae, each of which may be tuned to a desired THz wavelength. Each antenna in antenna array35may be a dipole antenna and, for example, may be configured in a bow-tie shape having two triangular sides, as shown inFIG. 2A,2B, or2C. Each triangular side of the dipole antenna is a quarter wavelength in length. Each antenna in antenna array35is spaced from adjacent antennae to reduce interference. As shown, per single pixel cell unit30, antenna array35is comprised of one hundred antennae, arranged in two columns by fifty rows, with vertical and horizontal spacing (as shown, for example, inFIG. 2A,2B, or2C) of about 6 um. Each antenna in antennae array35is labeled in a column by row designation, such as antenna1,1, antenna1,2, . . . , antenna50,1and antenna50,2.

In an alternative embodiment, antenna array35includes one hundred and twenty antennae arranged in two columns by sixty rows, with spacing of about 5 um between each respective antenna. In yet another embodiment, antenna array35includes two hundred and forty antennae arranged in four columns by sixty rows, with spacing of about 5 um between each respective antenna. Each antenna in antennae array35is coupled to a device fabricated in semiconductor layer33, by way of a waveguide34, the latter disposed in interconnect layer32.

The second deposition layer is shown inFIG. 3C, as a planar view of an exemplary arrangement of an array38of context imaging pixels39. The array38includes five columns by five rows of pixels, thereby obtaining25context imaging pixels that are interleaved with 100 antennae on top planar layer31. Again, it will be understood that both arrays are interleaved on the top planar layer of each single pixel unit cell of the THz FPA imaging system of the present invention.

Each context imaging pixel39, for example, is about 5 um×5 um. The size of each context imaging pixel39may vary with the size of pixel unit cell30. Each context imaging pixel39may be spaced from adjacent context imaging pixels by a distance smaller than the length of the unit cell's pitch in the THz FPA imaging system. Each context imaging pixel39may be configured to capture signals in the visible band and/or the SWIR band.

Referring next toFIG. 4, there is shown a circuit block diagram of a portion of a pixel unit cell for summing the signals sensed by multiple antennae in the antennae array, designated generally as41. The multiple antennae in array41are disposed in antenna layer42of the pixel unit cell. Each antenna in antennae array41is configured in a bow-tie shape. Other suitable antenna shaped configurations will be understood by one skilled in the art.

Each antenna in array41is coupled to a low noise amplifier (LNA)46, which is disposed in semiconductor layer44. The coupling is accomplished by a waveguide45, which is disposed in interconnect layer43. Each antenna in the array detects a THz signal which is sent to a respective LNA46via a respective waveguide45. Each LNA46amplifies the detected signal to a voltage level which is summed with other amplified detected signals from other antennae in the array. The summations are incoherently performed by summing circuit47, thereby providing a pixel output48from the respective unit pixel cell in the THz FPA sensor system. It will be understood that each antenna in array41may have a separate LNA46, such that the number of LNAs in a pixel unit cell is equal to the number of antennae in the array. In the example ofFIG. 4, each antenna disposed on layer42in the single pixel unit cell is summed by summing circuit47to produce one pixel output48. Accordingly, if there are 800×800 pixel unit cells, for example, in a THz FPA sensor system, then there would be 800×800 pixel output signals48.

FIG. 4shows the summing circuit located in semiconductor layer44. In an alternative embodiment, summing circuit47may be located externally of each pixel unit cell.

Reference is now made toFIG. 5, which shows another embodiment in the summation of signals detected by an antennae array. Different from the summation shown inFIG. 4, the summation shown inFIG. 5is performed coherently, as depicted by a portion of a pixel unit cell. As shown, each antenna (two are shown) in array51are configured in a bow-tie shape. Each antenna in the array is coupled to a respective LNA53, which is disposed in the semiconductor layer. Each antenna in array51detects a THz signal which is sent to a respective LNA53via a respective waveguide52. Each LNA53amplifies the signal and sends it to a respective mixer54. Each mixer54multiplies the detected signal with a known signal from a local oscillator56. The signal arriving from the local oscillator is delayed as necessary by a respective delay line55. This enables coherent summation of all the multiplied signals by way of summation circuit57.

The summed signal is provided as a pixel output signal58and corresponds to a coherent summation of all the detected signals from antenna array51disposed in a single pixel unit cell. As previously noted, there are numerous pixel unit cells in each THz FPA sensor system. Accordingly, there are multiple pixel output signals58that correspond to the multiple pixel unit cells in the THz FPA sensor system.

As known in the art, mixer54may be a heterodyne mixer. In an embodiment where mixer54is a heterodyne mixer, the mixer is configured to down convert the amplified signal. Although not depicted, each antenna in array51disposed on the antenna layer may have a discrete LNA53and a mixer54. Thus, the number of LNAs and mixers in a pixel unit cell equals the number of antenna in array51.

As shown inFIG. 5, local oscillator56is disposed externally of the pixel unit cell. The local oscillator, which may be shared by many, or all the pixel unit cells in the THz FPA sensor system, may be programmable or fixed.

FIG. 6illustrates a signal processor, generally designated as60, as an example of an architecture configured for processing the output signals from each pixel unit cell in the THz FPA sensor system. In the example, an 8×8 unit cell array61is shown. Each unit cell is designated as62. As known in the art, signal processor60is configured to sequentially read-out the entire array of pixels in a system having pixels in an FPA. Thus, processor60provides as an output the columns in every sequential row of the FPA, the output generally shown as FPA output67.

Thus, signal processor60may be used to read-out, in sequence, each pixel output48(FIG. 4) or each pixel output58(FIG. 5) disposed in the THz FPA sensor system, thereby providing a non-coherent FPA output or a coherent FPA output, respectively.

Completing the description of signal processor60, a row scanner63and a column scanner64are provided to sequentially scan each signal outputted from each summing circuit in each pixel unit cell62. Timing and control logic circuit65controls row scanner63and column scanner64. The sequential output signals provided from the unit pixels in the THz FPA sensor system are processed by a column signal processor66. The column signal processor outputs the processed signals as the FPA image read-out.

It will be understood that the aforementioned description pertains to the FPA image read-out obtained by processing the signals from each summation circuit (47inFIG. 4, or57inFIG. 5) in the THz FPA sensor system. In a similar manner, the array of image context pixels that are disposed in each top planar layer of a respective pixel unit cell may also be processed by a separate signal processor system60.

With respect to the processing of the image context pixels, however, there are much fewer context pixels in the THz FPA sensor system than there are THz antennae. Therefore, the present invention may dispense with having to sum (more precisely, average) each image context pixel per unit cell. Instead, it is contemplated that the present invention may sequentially read each context pixel in the THz FPA sensor system, without needing to average the outputs of each context pixel in each unit pixel cell.

Alternatively, the process described above for the summation of each antenna in the array may also be used by averaging the output from each context pixel disposed in a respective unit cell. Then, the signal processor shown inFIG. 6may be utilized to sequentially scan each averaged output from a respective unit pixel62in the array61of the THz FPA sensor system.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A-7D, there are shown planar views of different antennae array orientations in a unit pixel cell, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Each of the antennae array orientations may be used to capture THz waves using various polarizations. As an example,FIG. 7Ashows a THz FPA sensor system having an 8×8 pixel array, generally designated as70. A magnified planar view of a portion of the THz FPA sensor system is shown inFIG. 76, as a 2×2 pixel array, designated as71. Each pixel unit cell in the 2×2 array is designated as72.

As an example, antennae array73includes two rows of THz antennae. The antennae array73includes antennae that are oriented in the same vertical direction. This allows the capture of THz signals having a vertical polarization of THz waves per unit pixel. Since all four unit pixels in the 2×2 array71have antennae that are vertically oriented, all four unit pixels would each sum (either coherently or incoherently) all the vertically polarized THz signals detected by a respective antennae array73.

FIG. 7Cprovides another example of a magnified planar view of a 2×2 pixel array, designated as74, which shows each pixel unit cell (75A,75B,75C,75D) having antennae arrays oriented in different directions. Pixel unit cells75A and75B include antennae arrays that are orthogonal to each other; and pixel unit cells75C and75D include antennae arrays that are also orthogonal to each other. This configuration of pixel array74allows for each pixel unit cell to capture THz signals that are polarized, for example, at a relative angle of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees.

Referring next toFIG. 7D, there is shown a magnified planar view of yet another example of a pixel unit cell76. This pixel unit cell includes an array of four omni-directional spiral antennae77. The orientation of antennae77allows pixel unit cell76to capture signals from all polarizations of THz waves. It will be understood, however, that any combination of antennae orientations is contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 8is a planar view of a THz FPA sensor system, generally designated as80. The THz FPA sensor system80has width and length dimensions of about 75 mm×75 mm and includes a 256×256 array of pixel unit cells, in which each pixel unit cell is designated as82. Each pixel unit cell82is fabricated in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, each pixel unit cell82may include the antennae array and the context imaging pixels shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, the THz FPA sensor system80may include the image processor described with respect toFIG. 6.