Patent ID: 8592741

Claim:
An image sensor cell comprising: an electrodes' assembly configured and operable to receive an input light signal and produce a corresponding electrical signal, the electrodes' assembly comprising: a photocathode having an active region capable of emitting electrons in response to incident light; at least one floating electrode in a path of electrons emitted from the photocathode; and at least one anode spaced apart from said at least one floating electrode and serving for measuring therein an electric current corresponding to the charge accumulated on the float electrode; and a control unit configured and operable for controlling an electric field profile in said path so as to selectively cause the electrons' capture on said at least one floating electrode resulting in accumulation of charge on said at least one floating electrode corresponding to the input electromagnetic signal indicative of an acquired image, thereby enabling direct reading of the accumulated charge; the image sensor cell thereby providing for direct conversion of a light signal into an electric signal indicative thereof.