The goal of this project is to develop scientific grade CMOS imaging detectors for use in astronomy and other scientific disciplines. These new detectors can complement existing CCD technology for such applications as guide cameras, wavefront sensors, and high-speed imagers. As the technology matures, however, CMOS imagers may replace CCDs because of their low cost and ease of manufacture on state-of-the-art, large area silicon wafers.
The research is focussed into three phases. First, developing a test facility for CMOS imagers, which allows direct, quantitative comparison with today's scientific CCD detectors. Second, evaluating existing CMOS devices to obtain their real performance characteristics. And third, developing optimized CMOS imagers for astronomical use, including design and fabrication changes, frontside coatings, custom packaging, hybridized sensors, and back illuminated processing. In electronic imaging "science kit" will be developed as a prototype educational tool for high school students using CMOS imagers and classroom personal computers.
