Dr Daniel Weatherill

Abstract:

Correlated double sampling (CDS) is a process used in many charge-coupled device readout systems to cancel the reset noise component that would otherwise dominate. CDS processing typically consists of subtracting the integrated video signal during a “signal” period from that during a “reset” period. The response of this processing depends, therefore, on the shape of the video signal with respect to the integration bounds. In particular, the amount of noise appearing in the final image and the linearity of the pixel value with signal charge are affected by the choice of the CDS timing intervals. We use a digital CDS readout system which highly oversamples the video signal (as compared with the pixel rate) to reconstruct pixel values for different CDS timings using identical raw video signal data. We use this technique to develop insights into optimal strategy for selecting CDS timings both in the digital case (where the raw video signal may be available) and in the general case (where it is not). In particular, we show that the linearity of the CDS operation allows subtraction of the raw video signals of pixels in bias images from those in illuminated images to directly show the effects of CDS processing on the final (subtracted) pixel values.

Abstract:

The testing of irradiated silicon detectors requires maintaining low ( -10 °C) temperatures, to simulate a realistic operating environment and prevent annealing effects from distorting the results of the measurement. Keeping a device cool and dry is challenging, particularly if the apparatus must be portable. This paper presents a solution for a providing a stable, cool and dry environment for testing an irradiated silicon detector, that is easy to transport and can be installed in charged particle beam areas and irradiation facilities.

Abstract:

We describe the commissioning of a system which has been built to investigate optimal operation of CCDs for the LSST telescope. The test system is designed for low vibration, high stability operation and is capable of illuminating a detector in flat-field, projected spot, projected pattern and Fe-55 configurations. We compare and describe some considerations when choosing a gain calibration method for CCDs which exhibit the brighter-fatter effect. An optimisation study on a prototype device of gain and full well with varying back substrate bias and gate clock levels is presented.

Abstract:

The shape and size of the stored charge packet within a CCD pixel after exposure has implications for optimal device operation, susceptibility to radiation damage and modelling of dynamic charge collection effects such as the “Brighter-Fatter Effect”. Above the full well capacity, phenomena such as bleed trails and surface charge loss occur. In this paper we discuss why accurately reproducing saturation effects in simulations based on electrostatics is difficult, and present an approach to modelling the storage of charge in CCD pixels using commercial semiconductor simulation software. We suggest experimental measurements which can be connected to such modelling. Full well measurements on a thick, high resistivity back illuminated sensor (the e2v CCD261) are presented.