Optical detectors
Summary
Students analyse the fundamental characteristics of optical detectors, their architectures, selected applications and case studies. Photoemissive devices, photodiodes, infrared and single-photon detectors are studied. CCD, CMOS and SPAD cameras are analysed in detail, including advanced systems.
Content
- Introduction: Electromagnetic radiation, radiometric quantities, interaction of light with matter, classification of detectors, noise sources, detector figures of merit.
- Optical methods: selected examples: Synchronous detection and interferometers, position sensors, 3D imaging, Fourier optics and microscopy, superresolution microscopy techniques.
- Photoemissive detectors: External photoeffect, vacuum photodiodes, photomultipliers, microchannel plates, applications.
- Photodiodes: basic principles and structures, avalanche photodiodes, noise sources, ultra-fast photodiodes.
- 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, array sensor architectures, noise in photodetection systems, APS (Active Pixel Sensor), HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. Specialty and advanced CMOS cameras (3D-stacking, BSI vs. FSI). On-chip optics and technology-related aspects.
- Infrared detectors: InGaAs/InP heterojunctions, basic principles, metrology.
- Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs): SPAD basic principles, metrology, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) vs. SPAD arrays, imagers. Selected use cases (time-resolved imaging, commercial systems & LIDAR, biophotonics & microscopy). Advanced SPAD cameras.
- Single photon detection: PMTs and photon counting, intensified cameras, hybrid detectors, electron-multiplying CCDs, low-noise CMOS imagers.
Keywords
Photodetectors, photodiodes, CCD, CMOS and SPAD cameras, single-photon detection, metrology, applications.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Bachelor in microengineering or in electrical and electronic engineering.
Recommended courses
"Physique générale : électromagnétisme", "Physique des composants semiconducteurs", "Electronique I et II", and "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 taught in English, the scripts will contain explanations in English and French
Expected student activities
- Regular attendance to lectures
- Resolution of exercises as homework prior to the session
- Resolution of "Take-home Messages" questions
Assessment methods
Oral exam during the exam session with time for preparation followed by interactive discussion with teacher (100% of final grade). Cheat sheet allowed, no other material.
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| 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
- Physics of semiconductor devices / Sze, Ng
- Fundamentals of photonics / Saleh, Teich
- Single photon imaging / Seitz, Theuwissen
Moodle Link
Dans les plans d'études
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel
- Semestre: Automne
- Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
- Matière examinée: Optical detectors
- Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Exercices: 1 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
- Type: optionnel