Advances In Photodetector Arrays For Optical Processing

Recent advances in photodetector arrays for optical processing are reviewed with emphasis on two new unpublished developments. Discussed in detail is a 1024xi element CCD photodetector array that has a demonstrated performance of 56 dB (19 bits) optical power dynamic range; 8 microsecond frame readout time; a IE-16 J noise equivalent energy at 830 nm; - 48 dB lag; and low crosstalk. Performance and design issues are discussed with emphasis on issues that have not been widely discussed in prior literature. Such an issue is temporal lag which limits the performance of high throughput optical processing systems that employ time-integrating pholodiode arrays and charge-coupled devices. Finally, future prospects in photodetector arrays for optical processing are discussed.