Subelectron read noise at MHz pixel rates

Craig D. Mackay; Robert N. Tubbs; Ray Bell; David J. Burt; Paul Jerram; Ian Moody

doi:10.1117/12.426988

15 May 2001 Subelectron read noise at MHz pixel rates

Craig D. Mackay, Robert N. Tubbs, Ray Bell, David J. Burt, Paul Jerram, Ian Moody

Proceedings Volume 4306, Sensors and Camera Systems for Scientific, Industrial, and Digital Photography Applications II; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.426988
Event: Photonics West 2001 - Electronic Imaging, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

A radically new CCD development by Marconi Applied Technology has enabled substantial internal gain within the CCD before the signal reaches the output amplifier. With reasonably high gain, sub-electron readout noise levels are achieved even at MHz pixel rates. This paper reports a detailed assessment of these devices, including novel methods of measuring their properties when operated at peak mean signal levels well below one electron per pixel. The devices are shown to be photon shot noise limited at essentially all light levels below saturation. Even at the lowest signal levels the charge transfer efficiency is good. The conclusion is that these new deices have radically changed the balance in the perpetual trade-off between read out noise and the speed of readout. They will force a re- evaluation of camera technologies and imaging strategies to enable the maximum benefit to be gained form these high- speed, essentially noiseless readout devices. This new LLLCCD technology, in conjunction with thinning should provide detectors which will be very close indeed to being theoretically perfect.

Citation Download Citation

Craig D. Mackay, Robert N. Tubbs, Ray Bell, David J. Burt, Paul Jerram, and Ian Moody "Subelectron read noise at MHz pixel rates", Proc. SPIE 4306, Sensors and Camera Systems for Scientific, Industrial, and Digital Photography Applications II, (15 May 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.426988

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available