High sensitivity image sensor

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Many scientific and industry imaging applications require compact, low noise, high sensitivity cameras.Typically, there are two options: Charge Couple Devices (CCDs) and Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor (CMOS) based imagers. CCDs are inferior to CMOS due to higher power consumption andlarger footprint. Therefore, the demand for low light, high sensitivity CMOS cameras grows steadily. Severallow noise techniques have been proposed so far: active noise reduction, precise and amplified readout. Some ofthe state of the art solutions possess low noise, but lack the required sensitivity; others are very sensitive, butlack the active noise suppression. We have developed a superior sensor, which comprises three low noise andhigh sensitivity techniques, and hence being advantageous over state of the art solutions.We aim for a larger scale functional prototype implementation of our unique sensor, HI-SENS (HighSensitivity, Low Noise and Wide Dynamic Range imager). This proposal attempts a collaboration with aCanadian Company, Xiris, specializing in the manufacturing process control applications to evaluate thebenefits of such a sensor in their welding application. The sensor will be capable of functioning under highlyilluminated areas as well as in dim light and be able to recognize cracks in the welding process withoutrequiring an additional light source, or attributing the crack to sensor non uniformity.Low noise, high sensitivity and WDR features will make the proposed sensor a versatile sensing platform,applicable to many industry and research applications, such as security, biomed, and etc. The benefits of thisproposal to Canada include the development of a competitive technology of global interest, thus providingCanadian companies such as Xiris a substantial market advantage.