Random telegraph signals from proton-irradiated CCDs

It has been shown that proton-induced defects in charge couple devices (CCDs) can demonstrate the classic phenomenology of random telegraph signals (RTSs). These fluctuations take the form of RTSs with well-defined amplitudes and time constants for the high and low dark current states. The time constants are strongly temperature-activated and the evidence suggests the presence of a bistable defect whose structural reconfigurations cause changes in the dark current. Though an important noise source for room-temperature systems, the RTS pulse width is increased on cooling and the effect is not likely to be important below approximately -20 degrees C. Annealing of the RTS defect was found to occur at approximately 100 degrees C.>