Back-illuminated large area frame transfer CCDs for space-based hyper-spectral imaging applications

Robert H. Philbrick; Angelo S. Gilmore; Ronald J. Schrein

doi:10.1117/12.2230828

27 July 2016 Back-illuminated large area frame transfer CCDs for space-based hyper-spectral imaging applications

Robert H. Philbrick, Angelo S. Gilmore, Ronald J. Schrein

Proceedings Volume 9915, High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy VII; 99151M (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2230828
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

Standard offerings of large area, back-illuminated full frame CCD sensors are available from multiple suppliers and they continue to be commonly deployed in ground- and space-based applications. By comparison the availability of large area frame transfers CCDs is sparse, with the accompanying ~2x increase in die area no doubt being a contributing factor. Modern back-illuminated CCDs yield very high quantum efficiency in the 290 to 400 nm band, a wavelength region of great interest in space-based instruments studying atmospheric phenomenon. In fast framing (e.g. 10 – 20 Hz), space-based applications such as hyper-spectral imaging, the use of a mechanical shutter to block incident photons during readout can prove costly and lower instrument reliability. The emergence of large area, all-digital visible CMOS sensors, with integrate while read functionality, are an alternative solution to CCDs; but, even after factoring in reduced complexity and cost of support electronics, the present cost to implement such novel sensors is prohibitive to cost constrained missions. Hence, there continues to be a niche set of applications where large area, back-illuminated frame transfer CCDs with high UV quantum efficiency, high frame rate, high full well, and low noise provide an advantageous solution. To address this need a family of large area frame transfer CCDs has been developed that includes 2048 (columns) x 256 (rows) (FT4), 2048 x 512 (FT5), and 2048 x 1024 (FT6) full frame transfer CCDs; and a 2048 x 1024 (FT7) split-frame transfer CCD. Each wafer contains 4 FT4, 2 FT5, 2 FT6, and 2 FT7 die. The designs have undergone radiation and accelerated life qualification and the electro-optical performance of these CCDs over the wavelength range of 290 to 900 nm is discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Robert H. Philbrick, Angelo S. Gilmore, and Ronald J. Schrein "Back-illuminated large area frame transfer CCDs for space-based hyper-spectral imaging applications", Proc. SPIE 9915, High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy VII, 99151M (27 July 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2230828

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