Inventors:
Mark T. Kern - Goleta CA
Robert A. Bell - Salem NH
Max J. Riedl - Santa Barbara CA
Assignee:
Santa Barbara Research Center - Goleta CA
International Classification:
H01J 502
Abstract:
A device having a light emitter coupled to direct light to a portion of a photodetector to provide Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) capability for an optical sensor. A light emitting diode and a photodiode are mounted side by side on the upper surface of a conventional header with suitable electrical connections bonded thereto. A prismatic light bridge member overlies the light emitting diode and extends to cover a portion of one corner of the photodetector. This member serves as a light conduit, directing virtually all of the light from the emitter to the detector by virtue of the near total internal reflection of the surfaces of the light conduit member. An outer enclosure having a transparent glass window serves to seal and protect the respective elements while permitting external radiation to reach the photodetector.
Alternative embodiments provide for coupling of light from a single emitter or a plurality of emitters to a single associated photodetector.