CCD-based sensor array for magnetic pattern recognition

A magnetic sensor array, comprising Hall sensors interfaced to a readout CCD, has been fabricated using CCD technology. The array is reminiscent of a linear photodiode CCD, with the exception that the photodiodes are replaced by buried-channel MOSFET magnetic pixels. Based on extensive optimization, the magnetic pixels provide at least an order of magnitude better resolution than conventional designs. Limitations imposed in the past by the circuit-based readout techniques are avoided by using a readout CCD. This paper describes selected aspects of the system design.