Charge sensor and spectrometers incorporating it

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention is a sensor for, electrical charge fabricated as an integrated circuit and comprising an electrode (1) for receiving charge, a potential-sensitive switching means (2) for generating, a pulse whenever the charge received on the electrode (1) is sufficiently great a, counting means (4) for counting the number of times the switching means, operates and a means (3) for restoring, the potential on the electrode (1) to its initial potential each time the switching means (3) operates and/or continuously towards its initial potential An integrated circuit comprising an array of such, sensors and digital logic for controlling their operation is disclosed. The array may be used as a …