abstract |
An apparatus for translating information in one form to electrical signals for driving a single junction emitter light source is disclosed. For example, a device for scanning radiant energy includes a detector array for converting detected invisible electromagnetic energy emanating from a body into electrical signals representative thereof, an electrical signal processing means coupled to the detector array for processing the electrical signals thereof for display, and a single junction emitter array for producing visible light indicative of the invisible electromagnetic energy emanating from the detected body. The single junction emitter array comprises a substrate of light emitting semiconductor material forming a region of n-type conductivity, a region of p-type conductivity formed in the substrate to form with the n-type conductivity region a continuous p-n junction, a plurality of spaced contacts in contact with the p-type conductivity region, and a corresponding plurality of biasing circuits connected to the contacts. The biased contacts coact with the continuous p-n junction to form a plurality of light emitter elements for producing, without scan lines, visible light indicative of the visible electromagnetic energy emanating from the body. |