CCDs

For Space Imaging

Teledyne Imaging is the world’s pre-eminent supplier of standard and custom Charge Couple Device (CCD) imaging technology. Our sensors have enabled tens of thousands of discoveries in scientific fields, astronomy, planetary exploration, heliophysics and Earth science.

Our heritage dates back to 1969 and is the heart of over 250 instruments, operating from x-ray through near infrared (NIR), found in spacecraft such as the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars Rovers, solar observatories and Copernicus Earth observation Sentinel satellites.

The rise of CMOS imaging technology has brought imaging system designers a wealth of choice in selecting the right imager for their needs (Teledyne Imaging's world-leading CMOS offerings among them), but for space-proven performance, CCDs still represent the best overall solution in many situations. Teledyne Imaging is proud to have a continued commitment to the supply of CCD image sensors for space, defense, scientific and astronomy applications and is continuing investment in key technological advancements and the long-term operation of a world-class fab in the United Kingdom. 

Teledyne Imaging CCDs power many of the most significant astronomy, earth observation, and planetary exploration instruments deployed by the world's foremost space agencies. We have 50+ years of experience partnering with leaders including NASA, ESA, JAXA and CNSA to deliver optimized sensors and imaging systems. We are proud to supply CCDs that deliver the utmost in performance.

Teledyne is uniquely qualified to provide CCD solutions-we offer not only extensive experience, long heritage and IP portfolio in CCD design for space qualified imaging applications, but also our own semiconductor foundry optimized for CCD fabrication. Simply put we have no equal in CCDs for space applications. 

CCD wafer CCD Wafer

Proven Performance

  • Custom packages and solutions
  • Pixel sizes up to 50µm
  • Resolutions from single element diodes up to very large area (>85M pixel)
  • Very low noise
  • High dynamic range
  • High quantum efficiency
  • High full well capacity designs
  • Radiation tolerant designs
  • Hyperspectral / Multispectral
  • Specialist coatings and filters
  • Space proven designs

Key Technologies

  • Backthinned, back-illuminated devices
  • HiRho - Improved NIR responsivity
  • Large area devices
  • 3 and 4 side butting devices for focal plane arrays
  • Full frame and frame transfer
  • Custom packages
  • Peltier cooled packages
  • Cryo-cooled systems

Much has been written about the relative advantages of CMOS versus CCD imagers. It seems that the debate has continued on for as long as most people can remember with no definitive conclusion in sight. It is not surprising that a definitive answer is elusive, since the topic is not static. Read more about CCD vs CMOS here

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Read more here about CCD TDI versus CMOS TDI technology.

Heritage

With over 5,000 cumulative years of image sensor operation in space empowering the discovery of new worlds, planetary exploration and observation of the Earth, you can be assured of the most sensitive, reliable and cost-effective instruments.

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CCD Products

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