Low light signal detection using a high dynamic range, high responsivity image sensor with multiple sampling modes

Robert Golding; Jeffrey M. Raynor; Robert K. Henderson

doi:10.1117/12.980464

18 December 2012 Low light signal detection using a high dynamic range, high responsivity image sensor with multiple sampling modes

Robert Golding, Jeffrey M. Raynor, Robert K. Henderson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8550, Optical Systems Design 2012; 855023 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.980464
Event: SPIE Optical Systems Design, 2012, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

This paper presents a high dynamic range imaging sensor for detection of low light level signals. The sensor utilises a 12x12 array of large 150μm x 150μm pixels. The readout circuitry allows for multiple readout options including; multiple sampling (which allows for techniques such as Correlated Double Sampling (CDS)) and Time to Digital Conversion (TDC) techniques, operated both independently and under the same integration period. Scope for test patterns is also present in the design. All samples taken from the pixels before during and after exposure are converted digitally through the use of a single slope ADC utilising a 10 bit DAC and a comparator. No sample and hold capacitor is present. 4x10 bit SRAMs (Static Random Access Memory) per pixel are utilised to record multiple samples, or act as a counter for the TDC mode of operation. The large dynamic range of the system is attributable to both the novel timing system implemented within the multiple sampling mode of operation and the TDC mode of operation (operated independently or intermittently within the same integration time), which combines the use of 4x10 bit SRAMs with the 10 bit DAC to produce a counter capable of monitoring the pixel signal over extremely long integration times; in this case up to 30 seconds.

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Robert Golding, Jeffrey M. Raynor, and Robert K. Henderson "Low light signal detection using a high dynamic range, high responsivity image sensor with multiple sampling modes", Proc. SPIE 8550, Optical Systems Design 2012, 855023 (18 December 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.980464

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Signal detection

Cadmium sulfide

Signal to noise ratio

Image sensors

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