The process of back illumination, or back thinning, was initially developed to improve the blue sensitivity of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) for broadcast solid-state cameras. While this approach, bringing scene light through the substrate of the image sensor, achieves this enhancement, it also results in a reduced readout speed of the CCD — an unacceptable trade-off for broadcast cameras. Sarnoff pioneered an innovative process of back illumination that maintains speed while optimizing responsiveness.

Sarnoff’s method of back illumination features an optically flat surface, which results in a more reliable mechanical bond when integrated into cameras [1]. For high sensitivity applications advanced back-illuminated CCDs are capable of diminishing undesired interference effects such as optical crosstalk. Sarnoff’s technologies eliminate the need to slow an image scene down to only a few frames per second (fps), and instead permit over 1000 fps. It also reduces the wild fluctuation and poor spectral uniformity that limit the dynamic range of a system.

Developed at Sarnoff, this unique back illumination methodology allows us to offer our clients advanced solutions that fit a number of demanding applications — from broadcast solid-state cameras and mega pixel class imagers to radiometric or UV spectrophotometer applications. The optically flat surface of our process makes it ideal for integration with the fiber optic outputs of applications such as multi-channel plate intensifiers or x-ray scintillator tapers for radiation absorption and deflection.