Investigations on performance of Electron Multiplied CCD detectors (EMCCDs) after radiation for observation of low light star-like objects in scientific space missions

H. Michaelis; T. Behnke; S. Mottola; A. Krimlowski; B. Borgs; A. Holland; M. Schmid

doi:10.1117/12.2030659

24 October 2013 Investigations on performance of Electron Multiplied CCD detectors (EMCCDs) after radiation for observation of low light star-like objects in scientific space missions

H. Michaelis, T. Behnke, S. Mottola, A. Krimlowski, B. Borgs, A. Holland, M. Schmid

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8889, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XVII; 88891D (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2030659
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2013, Dresden, Germany

Abstract

The DLR Institute of Planetary Exploration has proposed a novel design of a space instrument accommodated on a small satellite bus (SSB) that is dedicated to the detection of inner earth objects (IEOs) from a low earth orbit (LEO). The instrument design is based on a focal plane consisting of electron multiplied CCDs (EMCCD) operating at high frame rates for compensation of the spacecraft’s pointing jitter at very low effective readout noise. The CCD detectors operate at a nominal operating temperature of -80°C and at a frame rate of 5fps. It is well known, that CCD detectors are prone to space radiation. However, EMCCD, designed to detect very low light levels of a few electrons, have not yet been used in space. Therefore, investigations have been initiated and performed by DLR for evaluation of the performance of EMCCDs before and after radiation. The main scope of the investigations was the characterization of the charge transfer efficiency (CTE) at low light levels because of its key impact on the detection performance. The non-ionizing dose effects of space high energy particle radiation on the detector were simulated by 60MeV protons at two different fluence levels. The low light-CTE was measured with point light sources without and with background-light.

Citation Download Citation

H. Michaelis, T. Behnke, S. Mottola, A. Krimlowski, B. Borgs, A. Holland, and M. Schmid "Investigations on performance of Electron Multiplied CCD detectors (EMCCDs) after radiation for observation of low light star-like objects in scientific space missions", Proc. SPIE 8889, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XVII, 88891D (24 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2030659

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