Low-light-level TV with Image Intensifier Tubes and CCDs

Abstract

This chapter presents an introduction of low-light-level TV (LLL TV) with image intensifier tubes and charge-coupled devices (CCDs). The chapter compares calculated and experimental results for two types of device based on the combination of a first- or second-generation image intensifier with a fiber-optic (FO) input window CCD. The most relevant parameters for this comparison are the read-out noise data evaluated as the signal-to-noise ratio at the output versus the input illumination level and the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the complete device. The two devices are considered under normal operational conditions and the comparison is presented in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, taking the area of one pixel as the reference area. Each system is a succession of detection, amplification or conversion devices (photocathode, MCP, screen, FO, CCD) having their own statistical properties which can be combined to determine the overall statistical distribution. The MTF of the image intensifier plays a role in smoothing the noise effect and therefore has to be taken into account.