Sub-electron noise charge-coupled devices

Charles E. Chandler; Richard A. Bredthauer; James R. Janesick; James A. Westphal

doi:10.1117/12.19457

1 July 1990 Sub-electron noise charge-coupled devices

Charles E. Chandler, Richard A. Bredthauer, James R. Janesick, James A. Westphal

Proceedings Volume 1242, Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19457
Event: Electronic Imaging: Advanced Devices and Systems, 1990, Santa Clara, CA, United States

Abstract

A charge coupled device designed for celestial spectroscopy has achieved readout noise as low as 0.6 electrons rms. A nondestructive output circuit was operated in a special manner to read a single pixel multiple times. Off-chip electronics averaged the multiple values, reducing the random noise by the square root of the number of readouts. Charge capacity was measured to be 500,000 electrons. The device format is 1600 pixels horizontal by 64 pixels vertical. Pixel size is 28 microns square. Two output circuits are located at opposite ends of the 1600 bit CCD register. The device was thinned and operated backside illuminated at -110 degrees C. Output circuit design, layout, and operation are described. Presented data includes the photon transfer curve, noise histograms, and bar-target images down to 3 electrons signal. The test electronics are described, and future improvements are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Charles E. Chandler, Richard A. Bredthauer, James R. Janesick, and James A. Westphal "Sub-electron noise charge-coupled devices", Proc. SPIE 1242, Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors, (1 July 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19457

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