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EMCCD Technology

An EMCCD is an Electron Multiplying Charge Coupled Device. (Also referred to as an L3CCD or an Impactron CCD). As in ordinary CCD devices light incident on the device is converted to electrons through photonic processes.

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EMCCDs employ a unique architecture that enables the device to greatly amplify (>1000 times) the number of resulting electrons produced by the incident light. This feature gives the EMCCD a far superior advantage over existing CCD technology in low light conditions. Real time images can be obtained in lux levels of 10-5 equivalent to a dark overcast night with no artificial light.

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The extreme low light capability of these EMCCDs lends themselves to many different applications including:

    • Border & Coastal Surveillance
    • Airport, Ports Surveillance
  • Protection of Sensitive Sites such as Power Plants or Government Buildings
  • Low light Scientific Imaging

On-chip Gain Multiplication Cameras

    • Advantages
    • High sensitivity in low-light.
    • Reduced likelihood of damage to the imaging detector due to viewing bright sources.
    • High speed imaging capability.
  • Good daytime imaging performance.
    • Disadvantages
  • High power dissipation due to active cooling of CCD device.(typically 4 to 10W)

Raptor has access to a number of front-illuminated and back-illuminated EMCCD sensors from a range of suppliers.

EMCCD – GEN III

The newest technology in low light imaging is now unleashed, offering ground-breaking next generation photon counting sensitivity. Raptor’s new third generation EMCCD cameras feature:

• Lower noise: <0.01e-read noise with EM gain
• Faster readout: x 3 faster than previous generations
• Higher EM gain: up to x 5000 with lower voltages
• Colder: cooling down to -100°C for minimal background events

See the new Falcon III camera running with EMCCD Gen III technology.

Please contact us if you are interested in EMCCD technology at sales@www.raptorphotonics.com.