Gigajot licenses binary pixel technology from Rambus

Gigajot’s Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) enables high-speed counting of single photons of light at gigapixel resolution. The new features enabled by QIS and Binary Pixel Technologies can benefit imaging applications such as scientific, automotive, security, defense, encryption, AR/VR, 3D and consumer photography, a press release reads. Based on the QIS technology developed by the Dartmouth-based research group, Gigajot’s third-generation solid-state imaging technology is sensitive enough to detect a single photon of light at room temperature and enables extremely high pixel densities. Rambus has supported the early work at Dartmouth on the technology. The single photon detection technology with its high sensitivity unlocks new capabilities in low-light photography and videography, scientific and medical imaging, automotive sensing, AR/VR and 3D, without sacrificing resolution or frame rate. “Traditionally, it has been difficult to achieve acceptable signal-to-noise ratio in low-light situations for quality images,” said Dr. Saleh Masoodian, CEO, Gigajot. “Combining the Rambus Binary Pixel technology with Gigajot’s QIS devices enables development of highly sensitive imaging technology via mainstream commercial CMOS fabrication processes for not only consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets and cameras, but also for more high-end commercial pursuits such as scientific, medical, security and surveillance sensors and cameras.” Rambus Binary Pixel technology combines an imager and processor architecture to enable professional quality images and video from small form factor imagers for compact solutions. The technology mimics human visual processing by sensing photons using discrete thresholds to avoid pixel saturation and enable better light sensitivity. Binary Pixel also employs special oversampling methods, which subdivide pixels, exposure and digitization to capture more data and extend the dynamic range of the imager. “Rambus Binary Pixel technology enables improved performance for small, compact image sensors, allowing unprecedented image quality for consumer devices,” said Laura Stark, SVP and general manager, Emerging Solutions of Rambus. “Combining the Gigajot and Rambus cutting-edge imaging technologies will dramatically improve the image capture experience for the next generation of consumers and professionals.”