Dramatic increases in speed and sensitivity of non-video intensified CCD cameras

摘要

Commercial realization of a new generation of intensified CCD (ICCD) cameras merges the speed traditionally associated with video systems with the sensitivity, dynamic range, and flexibility of scientific cameras. These advances in camera design were driven by the needs of specific applications for which no solution with sufficient speed and sensitivity had yet been offered. Recent developments in non-video scientific CCD devices have produced arrays that can operate both faster and with lower read noise than before. The frame transfer CCD utilized in this ICCD camera allows simultaneous exposure and readout, increasing the amount of time the CCD is collecting light to nearly 100%, and providing a 5 MHz readout rate at a fraction of the noise of video CCDs. The CCD also has none of the resolution, format, dynamic range, and timing limitations inherent in a video CCD. Camera subimaging and binning translates to frame rates many times faster than video. Both Gen II and "Gen IV" image intensifiers can be fiber optically coupled to the CCD for maximum throughput. Other camera design advances that will be discussed include a standard video output, dual analog channels, and a sealed package requiring no water or purge gas.