CCD developed for scientific application by Hamamatsu

Abstract

We have developed CCDs for scientific applications that feature a low readout noise of less than 5 e-rms and low dark current of 10–25 pA/cm 2 at room temperature. CCDs with these characteristics will prove extremely useful in applications such as spectroscopic measurement and dental radiography. In addition, a large-area CCD of 2k×4k pixels and 15 μm square pixel size has recently been completed for optical use in astronomical observations. Applications to X-ray astronomy require the most challenging device performance in terms of deep depletion, high CTE, and focal plane size, among others. An abuttable X-ray CCD, having 1024×1024 pixels and 24 μm square pixel size, is to be installed in an international space station (ISS). We are now striving to achieve the lowest usable cooling temperature by means of a built-in TEC with limited power consumption. Details on the development status are described in this report. We would also like to present our future plans for a large active area and deep depletion CCD that delivers high performance at reasonable cost.