Photon counting strategies with low-light-level CCDs

Low light level charge-coupled devices (L3CCDs) have recently been developed, incorporating on-chip gain. They may be operated to give an effective readout noise of much less than one electron by implementing an on-chip gain process allowing the detection of individual photons. However, the gain mechanism is stochastic and so introduces significant extra noise into the system. In this paper we examine how best to process the output signal from an L3CCD so as to minimize the contribution of stochastic noise, while still maintaining photometric accuracy.
We achieve this by optimizing a transfer function that translates the digitized output signal levels from the L3CCD into a value approximating the photon input as closely as possible by applying thresholding techniques. We identify several thresholding strategies and quantify their impact on the photon counting accuracy and the effective signal-to-noise ratio.
We find that it is possible to eliminate the noise introduced by the gain process at the lowest light levels. Reduced improvements are achieved as the light level increases up to about 20 photon pixel⁻¹ and above this there is negligible improvement. Operating L3CCDs at very high speeds will keep the photon flux low, giving the best improvements in signal-to-noise ratio.     

Research on the readout noise suppression method for digital correlated double sampling

As the areas of CCD detectors and CCD mosaics have become larger and larger,the number of readout channels in astronomical cameras has increased accordingly to keep the image readout time within an acceptable range.For the large area cameras or the mosaic cameras,the analog Correlated Double Sampling(aCDS)circuit used in traditional astronomical cameras for suppressing readout noise is difficult to integrate into the camera controllers within the constraints of the space and energy consumption.Recently,digital CDS(dCDS)technology has been developed to solve this problem,which also offers novel analysis and noise suppression methods.In this study,a mathematical model is presented to conveniently analyze the frequency characteristic of a dCDS circuit,which is then simulated by a numerical method for investigating the noise suppression capability with different sampling weights.Importantly,using this model,the extreme point with lowest readout noise can be predicted for a certain dCDS model;and for a specific CCD readout frequency,readout noise can be suppressed by selecting the proper dCDS model.A testing system is then constructed for validating the efficiency of the proposed method.     

天文CCD片内放大器的噪声特性及其抑制方法

分析了低光度天文应用时CCD器件的主要噪声源的噪声特性和三种典型CCD读出信号处理方式的噪声抑制效果;提出了天文CCD读出信号的相关多次采样(CMS)处理新方法,并分析了四次采样抑制CCD读出噪声的实验结果。     

Calibration of flight model CCDs for CoRoT mission

CoRoT (Convection, Rotation and Transit) is a mission of high-accuracy photometry with two scientific programmes: asteroseismology and planet finding, using CCDs as detectors. Ten 2048×4096 CCDs manufactured by E2V (42-80) were calibrated on Meudon test bench in order to choose the best ones for flight. A very high instrument stability is needed. Taking into account the environmental perturbations (temperature, attitude control system jitter, radiations, etc.) we studied sensitivity of CCD gain and quantum efficiency to temperature and sensitivity of the output signal to bias voltages. Special attention was paid to pixel capacity and noise sources coming from dark current and pixel response non-uniformity. The calibration results together with the expected voltages and temperature fluctuations are compared with the specifications.     

Charge coupled devices (CCDs) in X-ray astronomy

The application of CCDs to X-ray imaging and spectroscopy for astronomy is described. The requirements which differ markedly from those of traditional optical applications are highlighted. Results of recent research programs to optimize CCD X-ray response are presented. It is shown that very high quantum efficiencies and Fano noise limited energy resolutions can be obtained. A number of issues related to the practical implementation of future instruments are reviewed.     

ESO's new CCD Testbench

During the forthcoming years, ESO will implement a large number of CCDs in optical instruments for the Paranal and La Silla observatories. An important step in this process is the CCD characterization and optimization that is done after the device is received from the manufacturer. In order to accommodate the new large CCDs and to interface to the new FIERA controller, ESO is building a new CCD testing facility in Garching. Among the measurements that will be made with this new facility are: quantum efficiency, conversion factor, charge transfer efficiency, dark current, read out noise and cosmetic quality.     

温度等因素对CCD数据采集电路性能影响的研究

CCD以其诸多优点，在天文观测中得到广泛应用。为了提高CCD性能，在实验室条件下，对国家天文台已有的CCD控制系统BIRAC，进行了温度对CCD采集电路性能影响的实验，以及板上A／D转换器误差校正，参考电压对噪声影响的研究。根据实验数据，得到上述各因素对CCD最终输出结果的影响程度，并提出与之对应的解决和优化方法。     

CCD的近红外敏化技术

理论上硅ＣＣＤ在０ ．１ｎｍ 到１．１μｍ 之间都有响应, 但通常此种器件在８００ｎｍ 以后量子效率下降明显, 一般会小于５０ ％ 。其中最主要的原因是近红外光子的吸收深度大于ＣＣＤ 的外延层厚度, 使大量光子穿透整个器件。显然增加外延层的厚度是解决这一问题的良好途径。但随着外延层的增加, 必须使用高阻抗的材料, 否则会明显的减低分辨率。另外增透膜的使用也会使量子效率大幅度提高, 而且有效的减弱了干涉条纹的影响。新型Ｐ沟道Ｎ 衬底全耗尽高阻ＣＣＤ的出现, 使得量子效率在１μｍ 仍然接近６０％ 。     

A predictive model for space-based X-ray ccd degradation

The first generation of X-ray telescopes to use Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) is being launched this decade. With a read noise of a few electrons, CCDs provide Fano-limited spectral resolution across the soft X-ray band (0.1 – 10 keV). However, degradation of resolution due to charge transfer losses becomes noticeable as Charge Transfer Inefficiency (CTI) increases to 10^–5. In this paper, we present a model which calculates the effects of radiation damage in low Earth orbit in order to predict CCD lifetimes over which good charge transfer is maintained. The model presented here considers damage mechanisms within the CCD, environmental conditions in which the CCD operates, and experiment shielding. We find that the predicted CTI approaches 10^–5 after a one to two year mission for the flight instruments considered here.     

Secrets of E2V Technologies CCDs (ex Marconi CCDs)

To complement previously published information on E2V CCDs, we present here some less well-known information about Marconi CCDs. We show details of the performance of deep depletion silicon variants, and discuss other subtleties of performance. We also present an update on L3vision (sub-electron noise) devices, indicating current availability, options, and ongoing development work. Finally, we will give a flavour of the range of custom designs that have been made. Many of these are not commercially available, and may not be familiar to all astronomers or CCD technologists. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

CCD astronomical applications for X-ray temporal studies

Charge coupled devices (CCDs) are under active investigation as imaging detectors in future X-ray astronomy satellites. The exploitation of such detectors holds great promise because of their capability to perform simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy. Unfortunately, standard readout techniques give a temporal resolution insufficient to study X-ray sources showing variability on timescales less than few seconds. In this paper alternative, non-imaging readout modes are investigated, in order to achieve millisecond temporal resolution for point-like sources. Simulation results are presented for the EPIC camera, the focal plane instrument for ESA's mission XMM, showing that the required temporal capabilities can be reached without loss of energy resolution.Work performed in part at the IFC/CNR, Milan, supported by a special EPIC grant from LABEN S.p.A.     

Gain calibration of CCD systems at VBO

The system gain of two CCD systems in regular use at the Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur, is determined at a few gain settings. The procedure used for the determination of system gain and base-level noise is described in detail. The Photometrics CCD system at the 1-m reflector uses a Thomson-CSF TH 7882 CDA chip coated for increased ultraviolet sensitivity. The gain is programme-selected through the parameter ‘cgain’ varying between 0 and 4095 in steps of 1. The inverse system gain for this system varies almost linearly from 27.7 electrons DN^-1 at cgain = 0 to 1.5 electrons DN^-1 at cgain = 500. The readout noise is ≲ 11 electrons at cgain = 66. The Astromed CCD system at 2.3-m Vainu Bappu Telescope uses a GEC P8603 chip which is also coated for enhanced ultraviolet sensitivity. The amplifier gain is selected in discrete steps using switches in the controller. The inverse system gain is 4.15 electrons DN^-1 at the gain setting of 9.2, and the readout noise ∼ 8 electrons.     

CCD相机读出噪声、电荷转移效率的测试和归算的改进方法

简单地介绍了CCD相机的读出噪声、电荷转移效率(CTE)的常用测试和归算方法,指出了其中的不足之处。在此基础上,提出了改进的噪声和CTE的测试和归算方法。也就是,读出噪声的测量以过扫描区的方差为基础来进行。而在CTE的归算时,先采用人-机交互方式确定一条适当的初始转移直线(X射线的单像元事件线)和相应的区间,在此区间中进行的第一次线性拟合得到一条较准确的转移直线,以后根据前一次的结果自动选取区间并进行线性拟合。以此方式就可以归算出较为精确的CTE数据。     

Fiera: ESO's New Generation CCD Controller

ESO is developing a new generation CCD controller for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) facility on Cerro Paranal. This CCD controller, named FIERA, will also be used at the Cerro La Silla Observatory and in ESO's testing and integration laboratories. A major emphasis in the FIERA design is the ability to run a large number of CCD outputs at fast readout rates, so as to take advantage of the new generation of high speed, low noise amplifiers. The first FIERA prototype was successfully demonstrated in October 1996. The design is undergoing revisions during 1997 and about 20 systems will be produced and deployed through the end of 1998. FIERA will see "first light" at La Silla and Paranal telescopes in early 1998.     

MOA-cam3: a wide-field mosaic CCD camera for a gravitational microlensing survey in New Zealand

We have developed a wide-field mosaic CCD camera, MOA-cam3, mounted at the prime focus of the Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) 1.8-m telescope. The camera consists of ten E2V CCD4482 chips, each having 2k×4k pixels, and covers a 2.2 deg² field of view with a single exposure. The optical system is well optimized to realize uniform image quality over this wide field. The chips are constantly cooled by a cryocooler at ??80° C, at which temperature dark current noise is negligible for a typical 1–3 min exposure. The CCD output charge is converted to a 16-bit digital signal by the GenIII system (Astronomical Research Cameras Inc.) and readout is within 25 s. Readout noise of 2–3 ADU (rms) is also negligible. We prepared a wide-band red filter for an effective microlensing survey and also Bessell V, I filters for standard astronomical studies. Microlensing studies have entered into a new era, which requires more statistics, and more rapid alerts to catch exotic light curves. Our new system is a powerful tool to realize both these requirements.     

RTS2中新CCD类型扩展方法

CCD是天文望远镜中最常见的观测终端设备,也是望远镜自主控制系统中的重要组成部分。随着天文望远镜自主观测需求的不断出现以及技术的快速发展,开源的RTS2软件系统成为目前该领域研究中受到较多关注的系统之一。但RTS2支持的CCD设备较为有限,同时控制接口约定也相对固定。在针对部分特殊的CCD设备(如LAMOST中采用的32台CCD设备、选址用的部分CCD设备)时,仅实现原有类的方法是不够的。在深入分析RTS2源码的基础上,重点从参数、命令、协议扩展方面研究基于原有的Camera类,通过继承的方法构造新的CCD类型,实现对LAMOST项目的 CCD控制,取得了较好的效果,对在RTS2中集成望远镜系统其他类型设备也有较好的参考价值。     

Characteristics and Performance of the CCD Photometric System at Lulin Observatory

The Lulin One-meter Telescope at Lulin Observatory in Taiwan started open-use observations in January 2003. In order to evaluate the performance of the CCD photometric system, the characteristics and quality of the site, we obtained data of photometric standards as well as calibration data from February to November 2004. We report here the results of our analysis including the gain, readout noise, dark current and linearity of the CCD camera, and transformation coefficients, total throughputs, night sky brightnesses and limiting magnitudes for UBVRI bands.     

A New Machine for Planarity Measurement of CCDs and Mosaics of CCDs

High quality CCD detectors are now being produced with 2048× 4096 square pixels, each 15 m on a side. Evenlarger detector areas are built with several CCDs mounted into amosaic. To be useful in an instrument the light must be in focuson all CCDs, requiring that all CCDs in a mosaic must typicallybe aligned within 30 micron of a flat plane. To achieve thisaccuracy in many cases the measurement and correction of the CCDalignment is necessary. One way allowing a surface measurement,even when the CCD is protected by a window, is to usetriangulation sensor. The principle of a triangulation sensor,its application and its implementation in a measuring machineare presented here.     

ROSA: A High-cadence,Synchronized Multi-camera Solar Imaging System

The Rapid Oscillations in the Solar Atmosphere (ROSA) instrument is a synchronized, six-camera high-cadence solar imaging instrument developed by Queen’s University Belfast. The system is available on the Dunn Solar Telescope at the National Solar Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico, USA, as a common-user instrument. Consisting of six 1k × 1k Peltier-cooled frame-transfer CCD cameras with very low noise (0.02 – 15 e s⁻¹ pixel⁻¹), each ROSA camera is capable of full-chip readout speeds in excess of 30 Hz, or 200 Hz when the CCD is windowed. Combining multiple cameras and fast readout rates, ROSA will accumulate approximately 12 TB of data per 8 hours observing. Following successful commissioning during August 2008, ROSA will allow for multi-wavelength studies of the solar atmosphere at a high temporal resolution.     

一种低噪声硅微条探测器读出电子学系统的设计

硅微条探测器空间分辨率高、工作性能稳定, 广泛地应用于空间高能粒子探测领域. 如费米gamma射线空间望远镜(Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, FGST)以及阿尔法磁谱仪(Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 2, AMS-02)的径迹探测器中都采用了高位置分辨率的硅微条探测器. 基于硅微条探测器在空间观测领域的应用前景, 针对硅微条探测器单元设计了一套低噪声的电子学读出系统. 整个电子学系统分为前端电子学、数据获取电路和上位机软件. 前端电子学为提高集成度, 采用了一款电荷读出芯片VATAGP8, 实现了多通道、低噪声的电荷信号测量; 数据获取电路使用现场可编程门阵列(Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA)实现了对前端电子学的时序控制以及对测量信号的采集控制; 上位机用来接收、处理数据获取电路采集的信号数据. 在对电子学通道的线性、基线、噪声等性能进行测试之后, 得到系统在0--200fC电荷输入范围内的线性增益约为13.41bin/fC, 积分非线性小于1%, 噪声小于0.093fC. 为了验证电子学读出系统对硅微条探测器单元的读出能力, 将两者集成在一起并测试了宇宙线缪子的能量沉积, 得到读出电子学系统的信噪比大于32, 缪子的电离损失能谱与Landau-Gaussian分布符合较好, 能够满足硅微条探测器单元读出电子学的设计要求.