Project Title:

Back-Illuminated, Charge-Coupled-Device Image Sensor

92-1-08.10-0774                                                   NAS05-32438
Back-Illuminated, Charge-Coupled-Device Image
     Sensor
Princeton Scientific Instruments, Inc.
40 Autumn Hill Road
Monmourh Junction, NJ  08852
John L. Lowrance                                     (908-274-0774)

Abstract:

     This project will develop a back-illuminated image sensor
based on charge-coupled-device (CCD) technology with improved
stable quantum efficiency in the ultraviolet as well as the
visible spectrum. The CCD will also have high quantum efficiency
in the soft x-ray region and be useful in electron bombarded
applications. The high quantum efficiency that can be attained
with this back-illuminated CCD, combined with the very low readout
noise at wide bandwidth, makes it possible for this CCD to replace
image intensifier-CCD image sensors currently used for night
vision and low light surveillance applications. Unlike other
cameras, the CCD sensor is small and reliable, has a longer life
and broader spectral response, and, therefore, has significant
commercial and NASA applications.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  The CCD image sensor can be
used in NASA astronomical missions, ground-based scientific
imaging instruments, and for low-light surveillance cameras in law
enforcement and industrial applications.

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