High-dynamic-range 4-Mpixel CMOS image sensor for scientific applications

Paul Vu; Boyd Fowler; Chiao Liu; Steve Mims; Peter Bartkovjak; Hung Do; Wang Li; Jeff Appelbaum; Angel Lopez

doi:10.1117/12.910148

Translator Disclaimer

15 February 2012 High-dynamic-range 4-Mpixel CMOS image sensor for scientific applications

Paul Vu, Boyd Fowler, Chiao Liu, Steve Mims, Peter Bartkovjak, Hung Do, Wang Li, Jeff Appelbaum, Angel Lopez

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8298, Sensors, Cameras, and Systems for Industrial and Scientific Applications XIII; 82980D (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.910148
Event: IS&T/SPIE Electronic Imaging, 2012, Burlingame, California, United States

Abstract

As bio-technology transitions from research and development to high volume production, dramatic improvements in image sensor performance will be required to support the throughput and cost requirements of this market. This includes higher resolution, higher frame rates, higher quantum efficiencies, increased system integration, lower read-noise, and lower device costs. We present the performance of a recently developed low noise 2048(H) x 2048(V) CMOS image sensor optimized for scientific applications such as life science imaging, microscopy, as well as industrial inspection applications. The sensor architecture consists of two identical halves which can be operated independently and the imaging array consists of 4T pixels with pinned photodiodes on a 6.5μm pitch with integrated micro-lens. The operation of the sensor is programmable through a SPI interface. The measured peak quantum efficiency of the sensor is 73% at 600nm, and the read noise is about 1.1e- RMS at 100 fps data rate. The sensor features dual gain column parallel ouput amplifiers with 11-bit single slope ADCs. The full well capacity is greater than 36ke-, the dark current is less than 7pA/cm² at 20°C. The sensor achieves an intra-scene linear dynamic range of greater than 91dB (36000:1) at room temperature.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Vu, Boyd Fowler, Chiao Liu, Steve Mims, Peter Bartkovjak, Hung Do, Wang Li, Jeff Appelbaum, and Angel Lopez "High-dynamic-range 4-Mpixel CMOS image sensor for scientific applications", Proc. SPIE 8298, Sensors, Cameras, and Systems for Industrial and Scientific Applications XIII, 82980D (15 February 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.910148

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE