Optical detectors

MICRO-523 / 3 credits

Teacher: Besse Pierre-André

Language: English

Summary

Students analyse the fundamental characteristics of optical detectors. Thermal and photoemissive devices as well as photodiodes and infrared sensors are studied. CCD and CMOS cameras are analysed in detail. Single photon detection is explained.

Content

  • Introduction: Electromagnetic radiation, radiometric quantities, interaction of light with matter, classification of detectors, noise sources, detector figures of merit.
  • Opticla methods: few examples: Synchrone detection and interferometers, position sensors, 3D imaging, Fourier optics and microscopy.
  • Thermal detectors: Basic relationships, bolometers, thermocouples, pyroelectric detectors, applications.
  • Photoemissive detectors: External photoeffect, vacuum photodiodes, photomultipliers, microchannels, applications
  • Photovoltaic detectors: Photodiodes (p-n diodes, p-i-n diodes, schottky diodes), avalanche photodiodes, noise sources, ultimate limits of photovoltaic photodectection.
  • Ultra-fast photodiodes: interface electronics, bandwidth, travelling wave photodiodes, Bit-Error-Rate, eye diagram, telecom applications.
  • CCD cameras: Charge Coupled Devices (CCD): CCD principles and building blocks, CCD charge transport and image sensor architectures
  • CMOS cameras: Photocharge detection, photodiodes in CMOS, traditional MOS photodiodes array sensor architectures, noise in photo detection systems, the APS (Active Pixel Sensor).
  • Infrared detectors: Photoconductors, MCT cameras, QWIP.
  • Single photon detection: PMT and photon counting, intensified CCD, electron bombarded CCD, electron multiplying CCD, SPAD and avalanche effect.

Keywords

Photodetectors, photodiodes, CCD cameras, CMOS cameras, single photon

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Bachelor in microengineering or in electrical and electronic engineering.

Courses: "Physique générale : électromagnétisme", "Physique des composants semiconducteurs", "électronique I et II", "ingénierie optique I et II" et "capteurs".

Important concepts to start the course

Semiconductor physics, diodes and transistors, electronic amplifiers, optical lenses, micro-fabricated sensors.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze the basics characteristics and the principles used in optical sensors.
  • Develop the physical models for different photodetectors
  • Formulate fundamental equations describing the behavior of optical detectors
  • Optimize the photosensitive pixel.
  • Design cameras adapted to different optical applications
  • Interpret the datasheets of commercial optical sensors
  • Solve rapidly and efficiently problems related to optical detectors

Transversal skills

  • Summarize an article or a technical report.
  • Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking

Teaching methods

ex-cathedra courses and exercises.

Course will be teached in English but the slides and the script will content some french explanations

Expected student activities

  • Regular attendance to lectures
  • Resolution of exercises as home work prior to the session
  • Resolution of "matter that matters" questions

Assessment methods

Oral exam during the exam session with 15 minutes preparation and 15 minutes discussion with teacher and oberver (100% of final grade)

Supervision

Office hours No
Assistants No
Forum No
Others Students can directly contact the teacher at any time

Resources

Bibliography

Electronic books accessible by VPN:

  • Saleh, Teich, "Fundamentals of photonics", Wiley Interscience, Chapitre 17.
  • Seitz, Theuwissen: "single photon imaging", Springer series in optical sciences, 2011.
  • S. Sze, Kwok K. Ng, "Physics of semiconductor devices", Wiley Interscience, 2007.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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