Gamma ray spectrometer readout with linear CCD sensor

A high-resolution linear TV camera is described for readout of phosphors illuminated by gated microchannel plate image intensifiers. The 2592-element array clocking scheme allows for simultaneous readout of even and odd pixels combined into a single photoelement. An improved signal-to-noise ratio results, exceeding 1000:1 for a single video line readout. The camera can be reset at any time and unwanted photocharge dumped. Integration time is adjustable to match phosphor decay time and clock rates exceeding 20 MHz allow for a fast readout. Measurements including the resolution, responsivity, and dynamic range of the camera, are presented.<
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