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At least 109 records · Page 6

Scanning with charge-coupled devices

Results are presented of an investigation of six modes of using CCDs for searches of gamma-ray bursters, debris in geosynchronous space, satellites of asteroids, brown dwarfs, the tenth planet, comets, cometesimals, and various types of asteroids. A new discipline in astrophysics, 'scannerscopy', i.e., surveying with a CCD rather than with photography at a Schmidt telescope, is described. It uses the CCD in scanning rather than in sequencing of stare exposures as is done at most observatories, which can save telescope time and obviates the need for flat-fielding. Attention is given to the Tektronix 2048 x 2048 CCD, 38 arcmin wide, which is used to a limiting magnitude of 20.5 V. It is also shown to be successful for discovering rare and small near-earth asteroids. Possibilities with cameras on spacecraft that pass through the asteroid belt are described.

Gehrels, Tom↗

Iridium Film For Charge-Coupled Device

Usability extended to different environments. Application of thin film of iridium to back surface of back-surface-illuminated charge-coupled device expected to increase and stabilize quantum efficiency at wavelengths less than 4,500 Angstrom. Enhances quantum efficiency according to principle discussed in "Metal Film Increases CCD Output" (NPO-16815). Does not react with hydrogen, so device need not be kept in oxygen: Advantage where high absorption of ultraviolet light by oxygen undesirable; for example, when device used to make astronomical observations from high altitudes.

Hecht, Michael H.↗

Programmable convolution via the chirp Z-transform with CCD's

Technique filtering by convolution in frequency domain rather than in time domain presents possible solution to problem of programmable transversal filters. Process is accomplished through utilization of chip z-transform (CZT) with charge-coupled devices

Buss, D. D.↗

Charge-coupled device imaging spectroscopy of Mars. I - Instrumentation and data reduction/analysis procedures

This paper describes the collection, reduction, and analysis of 0.4-1.0-micron Mars imaging spectroscopy data obtained during the 1988 and 1990 oppositions from Mauna Kea Observatory and provides a general outline for the acquisition and analysis of similar imaging spectroscopy data sets. The U.H. 2.24-m Wide Field Grism CCD Spectrograph was used to collect 13 3D image cubes covering 90 percent of the planet south of 50 deg N in the 0.4-0.8 micron region and covering 55 percent of the planet south of 50 deg N in the 0.5-1.0 micron region. Spectra extracted from these image cubes reveal the detailed character of the Martian near-UV to visible spectrum. Images at red wavelengths reveal the 'classical' albedo markings at 100-500 km spatial resolution while images at blue wavelengths show little surface feature contrast and are dominated by condensate clouds/hazes and polar ice.

Bell, James F., III↗

Spectral analysis using CCDs

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are ideally suited for performing sampled-data transversal filtering operations in the analog domain. Two algorithms have been identified for performing spectral analysis in which the bulk of the computation can be performed in a CCD transversal filter; the chirp z-transform and the prime transform. CCD implementation of both these transform algorithms is presented together with performance data and applications.

Hewes, C. R.↗

Galactic cosmic ray exposure estimates for SAGE-3 mission in polar orbit

An analysis of the effects of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposures on charge-coupled devices (CCDs) was performed for the SAGE-III 5-year mission in sun-synchronous orbit between 1996 and 2001. A detailed environment model used in conjunction with a geomagnetic vertical cut-off code provides the predicted 5-year fluence of GCR ions. A computerized solid model of the spacecraft was used to define the effective shield thickness distribution around the CCD detector. The particle fluences at the detector location are calculated with the Langley heavy-ion transport code, and these fluences are used in conjunction with estimated nuclear stopping powers to evaluate dosimetric quantities related to the detector degradation. A previous study analyzing effects of trapped particle and solar flare protons indicated an approximate 20 percent reduction in detector sensitivity for the mission. The galactic cosmic ray contribution was thought to be relatively small and therefore was not previously analyzed. The present study provides quantification of the GCR effects, which are found to contribute less than 1 percent of the total environment degradation.

Nealy, John E.↗

Software simulations of the detection of rapidly moving asteroids by a charge-coupled device

A rendezvous of an unmanned probe to an earth-approaching asteroid has been given a high priority in the planning of interplanetary missions for the 1990s. Even without a space mission, much could be learned about the history of asteroids and comet nuclei if more information were available concerning asteroids with orbits which cross or approach the orbit of earth. It is estimated that the total number of earth-crossers accessible to ground-based survey telescopes should be approximately 1000. However, in connection with the small size and rapid angular motion expected of many of these objects an average of only one object is discovered per year. Attention is given to the development of the software necessary to distinguish such rapidly moving asteroids from stars and noise in continuously scanned CCD exposures of the night sky. Model and input parameters are considered along with detector sensitivity, aspects of minimum detectable displacement, and the point-spread function of the CCD.

Mcmillan, R. S.↗

Radiation damage in scientific charge-coupled devices

Radiation damage is reported on CCDs (charge-coupled devices) that have been primarily exposed to 1.25-MeV gamma rays (Co-60 source). Two important classes of radiation damage are discussed, namely, bulk and ionization effects. Bulk damage or displacement damage is a process in which silicon atoms are displaced from their normal lattice positions by high-energy photons or particles. Single atomic displacements or cluster defect damage is produced, depending on the energy and type of radiation experienced by the detector. Bulk damage creates trapping sites within the CCD's signal channel which in turn degrades charge-transfer efficiency.

Janesick, James↗

Ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet response of charge-coupled-device detectors

Results of a program to enhance the ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet response of charge-coupled devices are presented. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop a large format device with both high and stable quantum efficiency from 100 to 3000 A that can be used as a windowless imaging detector in a space environment. Ultraviolet quantum efficiency measurements have been made for several ion-implanted and laser-annealed test CCDs. Quantum efficiencies as high as 22 percent at 2500 A, where the absorption depth in silicon is about 55 A, have been observed in one such test CCD. Quantum efficiency measurements of standard back-illuminated CCDs are also presented.

Stern, R. A.↗

Two-phase charge-coupled device

A charge-transfer efficiency of 99.99% per stage was achieved in the fat-zero mode of operation of 64- and 128-stage two-phase charge-coupled shift registers at 1.0-MHz clock frequency. The experimental two-phase charge-coupled shift registers were constructed in the form of polysilicon gates overlapped by aluminum gates. The unidirectional signal flow was accomplished by using n-type substrates with 0.5 to 1.0 ohm-cm resistivity in conjunction with a channel oxide thickness of 1000 A for the polysilicon gates and 3000 A for the aluminum gates. The operation of the tested shift registers with fat zero is in good agreement with the free-charge transfer characteristics expected for the tested structures. The charge-transfer losses observed when operating the experimental shift registers without the fat zero are attributed to fast interface state trapping. The analytical part of the report contains a review backed up by an extensive appendix of the free-charge transfer characteristics of CCD's in terms of thermal diffusion, self-induced drift, and fringing field drift. Also, a model was developed for the charge-transfer losses resulting from charge trapping by fast interface states. The proposed model was verified by the operation of the experimental two-phase charge-coupled shift registers.

Kosonocky, W. F.↗

Development of InSb charge-coupled infrared imaging devices: Linear imager

The following results were accomplished in the development of charge coupled infrared imaging devices: (1) a four-phase overlapping gate with 9 transfers (2-bits) and 1.0-mil gate lengths was successfully operated, (2) the measured transfer efficiency of 0.975 for this device is in excellent agreement with predictions for the reduced gate length device, (3) mask revisions of the channel stop metal on the 8582 mask have been carried out with the result being a large increase in the dc yield of the tested devices, (4) partial optical sensitivity to chopped blackbody radiation was observed for an 8582 9-bit imager, (5) analytical consideration of the modulation transfer function degradation caused by transfer inefficiency in the CCD registers was presented, and (6) for larger array lengths or for the insertion of isolated bits between sensors, improvements in InSb fabrication technology with corresponding decrease in the interface state density are required.

Phillips, J. D.↗

Applications of charge-coupled device transversal filters to communication

The paper discusses the computational power of state-of-the-art charged-coupled device (CCD) transversal filters in communications applications. Some of the performance limitations of CCD transversal filters are discussed, with attention given to time delay and bandwidth, imperfect charge transfer efficiency, weighting coefficient error, noise, and linearity. The application of CCD transversal filters to matched filtering, spectral filtering, and Fourier analysis is examined. Techniques for making programmable transversal filters are briefly outlined.

Buss, D. D.↗

Programmable charge-coupled device /CCD/ correlator for pattern classification

The potential use of charge coupled device (CCD) programmable digital/analog correlators for multispectral data classification is discussed. CCD digital/analog correlator technology and the experimental evaluation of a 32-stage 4-bit test device are presented. The design of an IC for use in a multispectral classification system for 16 sensors and 8 bit accuracy is reviewed.

Mayer, D. J.↗

Charge-coupled device /CCD/ trackers for high accuracy guidance applications

Recent advances in large area charge coupled device (CCD) imaging detectors and high speed microprocessors have prompted the development of a new class of electro-optical tracking instruments at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). These instruments are designed for standardized NASA-wide usage and are characterized by their extremely high pointing accuracy and stability and performance capabilities which are largely software defined and thus easily adapted to a variety of mission requirements. This paper presents an examination of the methods by which CCD detectors are being incorporated in star tracker instruments and the performance capabilities that can be expected from currently available devices. The multi-function sensor concept, in which a single sensor can function in a variety of guidance applications, is described. Software algorithms designed to provide efficient extraction of guidance information from both point and extended images are also presented. CCD star tracker implementations currently underway at JPL are described, and performance data obtained during laboratory testing is presented and discussed.

Salomon, P. M.↗

Study of Two Digital Charge-Coupled Devices

Recent report describes reliability study of two charge-coupled-device (CCD) shift registers. Major objective of study was to establish methodology for selecting, testing, screening, derating and applying CCD's. Includes a discussion of CCD structures and operating principles. Characteristics of SCCD and BCCD types are compared.

Wilson, D. D.↗

The development and applications of charge-coupled devices for space astronomy

The developments in charge-coupled device technology over the past decade are reviewed, with emphasis on the relevance of these developments to astronomical applications. The characteristics and limitations of current commercial devices are described, and the future requirements on CCDs for space astronomy are summarized for the X-ray and near UV, optical, and infrared wavelength ranges. Emphasis is placed on the commonality of technological development which is called for, including the issues of quantum detection efficiency (photon entrance and depletion depth), charge transfer efficiency, modulation transfer function, output noise level, and array size. The system requirements on focal plane instrumentation for space astronomy are summarized, and shown to have much in common for the different wavelength bands. These requirements are discussed in terms of CCD mosaicing, cryogenic cooling, and electronics. The overlap in CCD developments in the defense, astronomical and commercial arenas is summarized.

Griffiths, R. E.↗

Increased Spectral Response for Charge-Coupled Devices

Significant improvement in charge-coupled-device (CCD) spectral sensitivity is demonstrated over remarkable range. Improvement in quantum efficiency, in conjunction with CCD low-read-noise floor (less than 4e) opens up new scientific opportunities in fields of biology, nuclear science, laboratory plasma diagnositcs, and host of other physical and astronomical applications in the UV, X-UV, and X-ray regimes.

Janesick, J. R.↗

Electro-optical characterization of the Tektronix TK512M-011 charge-coupled device

An electrooptical characterization encompassing linearity, blooming, dark-count rate, charge-transfer efficiency (CTE), and quantum efficiency, is presented for a front/side-illuminated CCD with 512x512 format and 27x27-micron pixels. The detailed noise characteristics of the CCD-output FET are reported. While very good low light level CTE is obtained in the parallel-shift direction, CTE problems arise in the serial direction. The output FET noise is equivalent to 5-12 electrons, depending on FET operating conditions and system bandwidth.

Epperson, Patrick M.↗