CCD imager can detect single-photon events

DECEMBER 1, 2008--The LL-13MA is an all solid-state, low-light camera capable of viewing images in starlight (0.1 mlux) conditions with a 500:1 antiblooming mechanism. Rather than a traditional vacuum tube intensifier, the VGA-resolution CCD imager uses a special CCD that has on-chip electron multiplication that precedes the CCD output amplifier. This configuration suffers no light coupling inefficiency or artifact problems inherent in most intensified low-light cameras. Multiplication occurs in a 400-stage CCD shift register, which can provide a gain of up to 1000:1 without increasing noise. The EMCCD technology can detect single-photon events. RS-170 analog output and RS-232 camera control interfaces are standard.
Aphotik
Roswell, GA, USA
www.aphotik.com

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DATASHEET

LL-13MA Ultra Low Light CCD Camera

The LL-13MA is an all solid state, low light camera capable of viewing images in starlight (0.1mlux) conditions. Rather than using a traditional vacuum tube intensifier, the LL-13MA CCD imager uses a special CCD that has on-chip electron multiplication that precedes the CCD output amplifier. This configuration therefore suffers no light coupling inefficiency or artifact problems inherent in most intensified low light cameras. Multiplication occurs in a 400 stage CCD shift register which can provide a gain of up to 1000:1, without increasing noise. The EMCCD technology has superior quantum efficiency and spectral response and, is therefore, more sensitive and can detect single photon events.

Key Features:
- VGA resolution of the CCD imager
- Extended dynamic range of full daylight to dark starlight imaging
- 500:1 Anti blooming mechanism
- Superior intrascene dynamic range
- RS170 analog output
- RS232 camera control
- 12 to 24 volt universal power input
- Small size--4.0" x 4.0" x 2.5"

LL-13MA EMCCD CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS
CCD Imager Texas Instruments TC247, frame interline transfer CCD with on-chip electron multiplication
Resolution 658 X 496 Active Pixels
Gain Automatic or RS232 selectable up to 1000, using electron multiplying impact ionization process
Sensitivity 0.1 mlux starlight illumination. Single photon detection is possible
SNR 75 dB
Quantum Efficiency 50%
Format 1/2" with 10 micron square pixels
Active Area 6.58 mm X 4.96 mm
Full Well Pixel 28,000 e-
Video Format Analog RS170
Computer Interface RS232--shutter speed, Gain control, AGC-on/off, Iris control
Shutter speeds 1/60 seconds to 60 μs in stepped increments
Sensor Readout Interlace
Readout Speed 12.5 MHz
Gamma 1.0
Frame readout 33 ms/frame (30 frames per second)
Synchronization Internal X-tal
CCD Temperature Solid state, two stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC)
Dark Current 1.0pA/cm², with TEC on
Lens Mount CS Mount
Power 12V-24V, 5.0 W (with ambient temperature of 77º F), 11 W (with ambient temperature of 120º F)
Housing All metal enclosure measuring 4.0" X 4.0" X 2.5"

5020 Old Ellis Pointe Roswell, Ga. 30076 770-642-7950 (ph) 770-642-0160 (fax) Aphotik