Noise analysis and measurement of time delay and integration charge coupled device

Time delay and integration （TDI） charge coupled device （CCD） noise sets a fundamental limit on image sensor performance, especially under low illumination in remote sensing applications. After introducing the complete sources of CCD noise, we study the effects of TDI operation mode on noise, and the relationship between different types of noise and number of the TDI stage. Then we propose a new technique to identify and measure sources of TDI CCD noise employing mathematical statistics theory, where theoretical analysis shows that noise estimated formulation converges well. Finally, we establish a testing platform to carry out experiments, and a standard TDI CCD is calibrated by using the proposed method. The experimental results show that the noise analysis and measurement methods presented in this paper are useful for modeling TDI CCDs.

Dual-Schottky-junctions coupling device based on ultra-longβ-Ga_(2)O_(3)single-crystal nanobelt and its photoelectric properties

High qualityβ-Ga_(2)O_(3)single crystal nanobelts with length of 2−3 mm and width from tens of microns to 132μm were synthesized by carbothermal reduction method.Based on the grown nanobelt with the length of 600μm,the dual-Schottky-junctions coupling device(DSCD)was fabricated.Due to the electrically floating Ga_(2)O_(3)nanobelt region coupling with the double Schottky-junctions,the current I_(S2)increases firstly and rapidly reaches into saturation as increase the voltage V_(S2).The saturation current is about 10 pA,which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of a single Schottky-junction.In the case of solar-blind ultraviolet(UV)light irradiation,the photogenerated electrons further aggravate the coupling physical mechanism in device.I_(S2)increases as the intensity of UV light increases.Under the UV light of 1820μW/cm^(2),I_(S2)quickly enters the saturation state.At V_(S2)=10 V,photo-to-dark current ratio(PDCR)of the device reaches more than 104,the external quantum efficiency(EQE)is 1.6×10^(3)%,and the detectivity(D*)is 7.5×10^(12)Jones.In addition,the device has a very short rise and decay times of 25−54 ms under different positive and negative bias.DSCD shows unique electrical and optical control characteristics,which will open a new way for the application of nanobelt-based devices.

Calibration and Monte Carlo simulation of a single-photon counting charge-coupled device for single-shot X-ray spectrum measurements

A Princeton Instruments PI-LCX 1300 charge-coupled device （CCD） camera used for X-ray spectrum measurements in laser-plasma experiments is calibrated using three radioactive sources and investigated with the Monte Carlo code Geant4. The exposure level is controlled to make the CCD work in single photon counting mode. A summation algorithm for obtaining accurate X-ray spectra is developed to reconstruct the X-ray spectra, and the results show that the developed algorithm effectively reduces the low-energy tail caused by split pixel events. The obtained CCD energy response shows good linearity. The detection efficiency curves from both Monte Carlo simulations and the manufacturer agree well with the experimental results. This consistency demonstrates that event losses in charge collection processes are negligible when the developed summation algorithm of sDlit Dixel events is emDloved.

Charge Couple Device-Based Systemfor3-di mensional Real Ti me Positioning on the Assessment of Segmental Range of Motion of Lumbar Spine

Objective： To observe the tested results of the segmental range of motion （ROM） of lumbar spine by charge couple device （CCD）-based system for 3-dimensional real-time positioning （CCD system）, and to analyze its clinical significance. Methods： Seven patients with lumbar joint dysfunction and 8 healthy subjects were tested twice by the CCD-based system with an interval of 10 min. Results： The ROM of the patients was obviously lesser than that of the healthy subjects. The measuring data of segmental ROM of lumbar spine by CCD system is correlated significantly to the same data checked later on the same subjects in every direction of the movements. The differences between two checks are usually less than 1 degree. Conclusion： Specially designed CCD based system for 3-dimensional real-time positioning could objectively reflect the segmental ROM of lumbar spine. The system would be of great clinical significance in the assessment of the biomechanical dysfunction of lumbar spine and the effect of the treatment applied.

Research on detection of lane based on machine vision

To prevent a vehicle from departing the lane in assistant or automatic steering, real-time vision-based detection of lane is studied. The system architecture, detecting principle and lane model are described. Then the detecting algorithm of the lane image is discussed in detail. In this algorithm, several proper sub-windows in one image are first selected as the processing regions. To every sub-window, by means of such steps as appropriate pre-processing, edge detection and Hough transform, etc., the lane description features are extracted. Experimental results reveal that this detection method is of good real-time, high recognition reliability and strong robustness, etc., which can provide the decision-making foundation for the following automatic or assistant steering to some extent.

The future of wireless capsule endoscopy

We outline probable and possible developments with wireless capsule endoscopy. It seems likely that capsule endoscopy will become increasingly effective in diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy. This will be attractive to patients especially for cancer or varices detection because capsule endoscopy is painless and is likely to have a higher take up rate compared to conventional colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Double imager capsules with increased frame rates have been used to image the esophagus for Barrett's and esophageal varices. The image quality is not bad but needs to be improved if it is to become a realistic substitute for flexible upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. An increase in the frame rate, angle of view, depth of field, image numbers, duration of the procedure and improvements in illumination seem likely. Colonic, esophageal and gastric capsules will improve in quality, eroding the supremacy of flexible endoscopy, and become embedded into screening programs. Therapeutic capsules will emerge with brushing, cytology, fluid aspiration, biopsy and drug delivery capabilities. Electrocautery may also become possible. Diagnostic capsules will integrate physiological measurements with imaging and optical biopsy, and immunologic cancer recognition. Remote control movement will improve with the use of magnets and/or electrostimulation and perhaps electromechanical methods. External wireless commands will influence capsule diagnosis and therapy and will increasingly entail the use of real-time imaging. However, it should be noted that speculations about the future of technology in any detail are almost always wrong.

Treatment of Wet FGD Wastewater by a Modified Chemical Precipitation Method Using a Solid Powder Reagent

This research focused on developing a modified chemical precipitation (MCP) method for treating wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste water by adding a solid powder reagent directly. Simulated wet FGD wastewater was treated by MCP method in simulation experiments. Optimization experiments were carried out with the help of response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) to evaluate the effects and the interactions of experimental variables, including reagent dosage, temperature and pH value. The optimal reagent dosage, temperature and pH value were 3018.0 mg/L, 40.5 °C and 5.7, respectively. The RSM was demonstrated as an appropriate approach for the optimization of wet FGD wastewater treatment with the MCP method. A comparative study between the MCP method and the traditional chemical precipitation (TCP) method on raw wet FGD wastewater treatment was conducted. Results indicate that the MCP had less reagent dosage and variety than the TCP method had. Thus, the MCP method had a lower cost. © 2017, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

An Automatic System of Vehicle Number-Plate Recognition Based on Neural Networks

This paper presents an automatic system of vehicle number-plate recognition based on neural networks. In this system, location of number-plate and recognition of characters in number-plate can be automatically completed. Pixel colors of Number-plate area are classified using neural network, then color features are extracted by analyzing scanning lines of the cross-section of number-plate. It takes full use of number-plate color features to locate number-plate. Characters in number-plate can be effectively recognized using the neural networks. Experimental results show that the correct rate of number-plate location is close to 100%, and the time of number-plate location is less than 1 second. Moreover, recognition rate of characters is improved due to the known number-plate type. It is also observed that this system is not sensitive to variations of weather, illumination and vehicle speed. In addition, and also the size of number-plate need not to be known in prior. This system is of crucial significance to apply and spread the automatic system of vehicle number-plate recognition.

Surface diffuse discharge mechanism of well-aligned atmospheric pressure microplasma arrays

A stable and homogeneous well-aligned air microplasma device for application at atmospheric pressure is designed and its electrical and optical characteristics are investigated. Current-voltage measurements and intensified charge coupled device （ICCD） images show that the well-aligned air microplasma device is able to generate a large-area and homogeneous discharge at the applied voltages ranging from 12 kV to 14 kV, with a repetition frequency of 5 kHz, which is attributed to the diffusion effect of plasma on dielectric surface. Moreover, this well-aligned microplasma device may result in the uniform and large-area surface modification of heat-sensitive PET polymers without damage, such as optimization in hydrophobicity and biocompatibility. In the biomedical field, the utility of this well-aligned microplasma device is further testified. It proves to be very efficient for the large-area and uniform inactivation of E. coli cells with a density of 103/cm2 on LB agar plate culture medium, and inactivation efficiency can reach up to 99% for 2-min treatment.

Experimental Investigation of Wave Heights in A Directional Wave Field Through Image Sequences

Measurements of wave heights with image sequences from a Charged Coupled Device(CCD) camera were made. Sinusoidal, as well as unidirectional and directional, waves were used for the experiments. A transfer function was obtained by calibration of the magnitudes of the gray values of the images against the results of wave gauge measurements for directional waves. With this transfer function, wave heights for regular waves were deduced. It is shown that the average relative errors are smaller than 16% for both unidirectional and directional waves.

128×128 element PtSi infrared CCD image sensor

A new 128×128 element PtSi Schottky barrier infrared image sensor with ITCCD readout structure and PtSi thin film optical cavity detector structure has been fabricated,which has 50μm×50 μm pixels,a fill factor of 40 percent,the nonuniformity of 5% or less and the dynamic range of over or equal to 50 dB.The noise equivalent temperature difference is 0.2 K with f/1.0 optics at 300 K background. In this paper,the principle of operation,design consideration and fabrication technology for the device are described.

Design and implementation of high speed TDI CCD timing-driven circuits

The time delay integration charge coupled device(TDI CCD)is the key component in remote sensing systems.The paper analyzes the structure and the working principles of the device according to a customized TDI CCD chip.Employing the special clock resources and large-scale phase locked logic(PLL)in field-programmable gate arrays(FPGA),a timing-driven approach is proposed,using which all timing signals including reset gate,horizontal and vertical timing signals,are implemented in one chip.This not only reduces printed circuit board(PCB)space,but also enhances the portability of the system.By studying and calculating CCD parameters thoroughly,load capacity and power consumption,package,etc,are compared between various candidates chips,and detailed comparison results are also listed in table.Experimental results show that clock generator and driving circuit satisfy the requirements of high speed TDI CCD.

The Design ＆ Implementation of Multimedia Sensor Node and the Building of Multimedia Network in Smart Home

With the requirements of multimedia service increasing in people＇ s life, sensor modules such as microphone, camera are added in the smart home＇ s sensor network, and the acquisition and processing of a large amount of information media such as audio, image and video is becoming a significant characteristics of smart home. The paper focuses on solving the following technical problems： the building of Zigbee multimedia network, the Design and selection of multimedia sensor node. These provide the basic network platform and the core technical support for the building of smart home.

A novel type of transverse surface wave propagating in a layered structure consisting of a piezoelectric layer attached to an elastic half-space

The existence and propagation of transverse surface waves in piezoelectric coupled solids is investigated, in which perfect bonding between a metal/dielectric substrate and a piezoelectric layer of finite-thickness is assumed. Dis- persion equations relating phase velocity to material con- stants for the existence of various modes are obtained in a simple mathematical form for a piezoelectric material of class 6mm. It is discovered and proved by numerical examples in this paper that a novel Bleustein-Gulyaev （B-G） type of transverse surface wave can exist in such piezoelectric cou- pled solid media when the bulk-shear-wave velocity in the substrate is less than that in the piezoelectric layer but greater than the corresponding B-G wave velocity in the same pie- zoelectric material with an electroded surface. Such a wave does not exist in such layered structures in the absence of pie- zoelectricity. The mode shapes for displacement and electric potential in the piezoelectric layer are obtained and discussed theoretically. The study extends the regime of transverse sur- face waves and may lead to potential applications to surface acoustic wave devices.

Characteristics of the CsI:Tl Scintillator Crystal for X-Ray Imaging Applications

Scintillators are high-density luminescent materials that convert X-rays to visible light. Thallium doped cesium iodide (CsI:Tl) scintillation materials are widely used as converters for X-rays into visible light, with very high conversion efficiency of 64.000 optical photons/MeV. CsI:Tl crystals are commercially available, but, the possibility of developing these crystals into different geometric shapes, meeting the need for coupling the photosensor and reducing cost, makes this material very attractive for scientific research. The objective of this work was to study the feasibility of using radiation sensors, scintillators type, developed for use in imaging systems for X-rays. In this paper, the CsI:Tl scintillator crystal with nominal concentration of the 10-3 M was grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. The imaging performance of CsI:Tl scintillator was studied as a function of the design type and thickness, since it interferes with the light scattering and, hence, the detection efficiency plus final image resolution. The result of the diffraction X-ray analysis in the grown crystals was consistent with the pattern of a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Slices 25 × 2 × 3 mm3 (length, thickness, height) of the crystal and mini crystals of 1 × 2 × 3 mm3 (length, thickness, height) were used for comparison in the imaging systems for X-rays. With these crystals scintillators, images of undesirable elements, such as metals in food packaging, were obtained. One-dimensional array of photodiodes and the photosensor CCD (Coupled Charge Device) component were used. In order to determine the ideal thickness of the slices of the scintillator crystal CsI:Tl, Monte Carlo method was used.

N self-doped multifunctional chitosan biochar-based microsphere with heterogeneous interfaces for self-powered supercapacitors to drive overall water splitting

Due to the rising need for clean and renewable energy,green materials including biochar are becoming increasingly popular in the field of energy storage and conversion.However,the lack of highly active and stable electrode materials hinders the development of stable energy supplies and efficient hydrogen production devices.Herein,we fabricated stable,conductive,and multifunctional chitosan microspheres by a facile emulsion crosslinking solution growth and hydrothermal sulphuration methods as multifunctional electrodes for overall water splitting driven by supercapacitors.This material possessed three-dimensional layered conductors with favorable heterojunction interface,ample hollow and porous structures.It presented remarkably enhanced electrochemical and catalytic activity for both supercapacitors and overall water electrolysis.The asymmetric supercapacitors based on chitosan biochar microsphere achieved high specific capacitance(260.9 F g^(−1) at 1 A g^(−1))and high energy density(81.5W h kg^(−1))at a power density of 978.4 W kg^(−1).The chitosan biochar microsphere as an electrode for electrolyze only required a low cell voltage of 1.49 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm^(−2),and achieved excellent stability with 30 h continuous test at 20 mA cm^(−2).Then,we assembled a coupled energy storage device and hydrogen production system,the SCs as a backup power source availably guaranteed the continuous operation of overall water electrolysis.Our study provides valuable perspectives into the practical design of both integrated biochar-based electrode materials and coupled energy storage devices with energy conversion and storage in practical.

Fabrication of fiber-embedded multi-core photonic crystal fibers

A novel fabrication method of multi-core photonic crystal fibers is proposed on the basis of a fiber-embedded technique. A taper tower is used to modify the structures of the fiber preform, and four steps of fiber fabrication and different structures of fiber samples are given. The mode structures and beating characteristics of a photonic crystal fiber sample with two successive cores are investigated in detail with the help of a supercontinuum light source, a charge-coupled device （CCD） camera, and an optical spectrum analyzer. The test results show a clear beating phenomenon between two orthotropic polarization modes with a 2.8-nm peak interval in wavelength.

Spectral calibration in spectral domain optical coherence tomography

A novel spectral calibration method is developed for spectral domain optical coherence tomography system. The method is based on two measurements of interference spectra from two reference mirror positions. It removes the influence of dispersion mismatch, and hence accurately determines the spectral distribution on the line-scan charge-coupled device （CCD） for sequent precise interpolation. High quality imaging can be realized with this method. Elimination of the degradation effect caused by dispersion mismatch is verified experimentally, and improved two-dimensional （2D） imaging of fresh orange pulp based on the proposed spectral calibration method is demonstrated.

Space optical remote sensor image motion velocity vector computational modeling, error budget and synthesis

For space optical remote sensor (SORS) with either film or time delay and integrate charge coupled device (TDI-CCD) imaging, in order to achieve higher resolution it requires more accurate real-time image motion compensation. This primarily depends on real-time computation of the image motion velocity vector (IMVV) and error budget and synthesis on related parameters. An effective modeling scheme is introduced and the derivation of IMVV equation, error budget and synthesis by Monte-Carlo method are presented in detail. This total solution was applied to SORS system test on orbit and has been confirmed to be very accurate based on the resolution, transfer function at Nyquist frequency, signal-to-noise ratio and average gray scale of the captured images.

Measurement of spatial object's exterior attitude based on linear CCD

It is difficult to realize real-time measurement of exterior attitude by the traditional systems based on the area image sensor which have conflict between speed and accuracy. The subsystem for three-dimensional （3D） coordinate reconstruction of point target （S3DCRPT） which is composed of three one-dimensional （1D） cameras based on linear charge-coupled device （CCD） can determine the distant light spots＇ spatial position. The attitude angle of the measured object is determined by the spatial solution while the coordinate reconstruction is separately carried on by the S3DCRPT with some point cooperation targets （PCTs） on the measured object. A new optical system is designed to solve the interference problem with one-to-one relationship between the PCTs and the S3DCRPT optical subsystems, which improves the measurement accuracy and saves space. The mathematical model of the attitude measurement is established, and partial and global calibrations are realized for the multi-camera attitude measurement system. The test results show the feasibility of the exterior attitude measurement based on linear CCD.