Large Format, High Resolution Image Sensors

Tektronix is currently fabricating two very large area charge-coupled-device sensors intended for astronomical and other high performance scientific imaging applications, e.g., medical imaging, fluoroscopy, x-ray imaging, spectrometry, particle detectors, etc. In this paper we discuss the performance requirements for scientific-quality CCDs and then focus on the design of the two Tektronix devices and discuss the progress toward achieving the desired performance. These devices are intended for rear-illuminated applications and have 512 X512 and 2048 X2048 pixel formats. The thinned 10 to 20 pm thick Si membrane is fully supported by a unique glass ceramic substrate. Quantum efficiencies of >70% at 700 nm and >40% at wavelengths <400 nm have been measured on a test device. Dark currents as low as 6 pA/cm2 also have been measured recently.