초록 ▼

A single element hemispherical light detector that employs the concept of constructed occlusion to improve its uniformity of detection response across a large range of incident angles, and that incorporates a deflector to provide detection response to low incidence angles. The hemispherical light de

A single element hemispherical light detector that employs the concept of constructed occlusion to improve its uniformity of detection response across a large range of incident angles, and that incorporates a deflector to provide detection response to low incidence angles. The hemispherical light detector uses one active element or photodiode to achieve a substantially uniform response within a sector of a hemisphere.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A light detector that provides a response signal based on the intensity of light incident from any direction within a predetermined sector, comprising:a base having a surface formed of a diffusely reflective material that defines a reflective region that faces the predetermined sec

[ We claim:] [1.] A light detector that provides a response signal based on the intensity of light incident from any direction within a predetermined sector, comprising:a base having a surface formed of a diffusely reflective material that defines a reflective region that faces the predetermined sector;a mask spaced a predetermined distance from the reflective region and located between the base and the predetermined sector such that, when light is incident at an angle normal to the base's surface, the mask occludes a portion of the reflective region;a sensor, responsive to incident light, that generates the response signal based on the intensity of light that it receives and that is located to intercept light reflections from the base surface, wherein the base, mask and sensor are configured such that the light detector is substantially uniformly responsive to light from any direction within the predetermined sector,wherein the reflective region further includes a hemispherical cavity and the reflective region is defined by the cavity's aperture and a shoulder surrounding the cavity's aperture.