Staring array sensor model for simulation implementation

Cornelius J. Willers; Maria S. Willers

doi:10.1117/12.2244780

3 February 2017 Staring array sensor model for simulation implementation

Proceedings Volume 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems; 100360S (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2244780
Event: Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS and Electro-Optic Systems, 2016, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

A comprehensive model for staring array simulation is described. The model covers all effects from photon signal generation through to detection and processing in the staring array sensor. The model follows the signal flow from photon generation, through a staring focal plane array (FPA) from the detector, through several conversions in the read out integrated circuit (ROIC) and finally conversion to a digital signal. Spatial nonuniformity modeling for photoresponse, dark current generation and source follower offset is included. The list of noise sources includes: photon noise, quantum conversion uncertainty, dark noise, kTC noise, source follower noise and quantization noise. Several components with (simplified) nonlinear responses are also modeled: sense node capacitance variation with charge, source follower nonlinearity and nonlinearity in the digital conversion. The code implementations take images as input, applying the various processes independently on individual pixels (e.g., shot noise) or on complete images (e.g., spatial nonuniformity). Some noise sources vary temporally across frames (shot, thermal, kTC) while other noise sources are fixed across frames (fixed pattern noises). The application of the model is demonstrated by tracing the signal path from source to sensor output, with intermediate results along the path. The model is implemented in Python (as part of the pyradi open source computational radiometry module) and in a C++ image simulation. The purpose with this work is to predict what the performance of a given sensor will be in terms of image appearance, given the devices specifications and key design parameters. The execution of this work lead to the important recommendation that nonuniformity correction for infrared sensors should be performed at well fill levels corresponding to the minimum and maximum in the scene, not to fixed percentage levels in the charge well.

The objective with this work is to provide a `generic' model that can be adapted by adjusting model parameters. For more accurate modeling of specific sensors, dedicated models should be developed, but for all but the most demanding requirement, this model should be adequate in scope of detail and freedom of characteristics.

Citation Download Citation

Cornelius J. Willers and Maria S. Willers "Staring array sensor model for simulation implementation", Proc. SPIE 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems, 100360S (3 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2244780

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