Charge coupled devices (CCDs) with high sensitivity in the blue and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are required for many investigations in astronomy. Devices produced with blue sensitivity in the past have exhibited problems such as low quantum efficiency, sensitivity variations, optical distortion and severe interference fringes. The research undertaken with this SBIR Phase I award will use a novel CCD designed to have optimum performance when treated to obtain high blue sensitivity. Two different approaches will be tried to reduce the thickness of the CCD, thereby increasing the blue response. Methods of stabilizing the sensitivity of the CCD will also be investigated. The goal of this work is to produce a technology which can be applied to CCDs resulting in high, stable sensitivity across a wide spectral range from near infrared to soft x-rays. Such devices would be of use to astronomy, medical and biological imaging, and chemical analysis.
