Optical detectors
Summary
Students analyse the fundamental characteristics of optical detectors, their architectures, selected applications and case studies. Photoemissive devices, photodiodes, infrared sensors and single-photon detectors are studied. CCD, CMOS and SPAD cameras are analysed in detail.
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, ultimate photodectection limits, 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, traditional MOS photodiodes array sensor architectures, noise in photodetection systems, APS (Active Pixel Sensor), HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging. Specialty cameras.
- Infrared detectors: InGaAs/InP heterojunctions, basic principles, metrology.
- Single photon detection: PMT and photon counting, intensified CCD, electron bombarded CCD, electron multiplying CCD.
- Single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs): SPAD basic principles, metrology, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) vs SPAD arrays, imagers. Selected use cases (time-resolved imaging, LIDAR, Positron Emission Tomography, biophotonics).
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", et "Capteurs".
Important concepts to start the course
Semiconductor physics, diodes and transistors, electronic amplifiers, optical lenses, micro-fabricated sensors.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Analyze the basics characteristics and the principles used in optical sensors
- Develop the physical models for different photodetectors
- 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 "matter that matters" questions
Assessment methods
Oral exam during the exam session with time for preparation followed by discussion with teacher and observer (100% of final grade). Cheat sheet allowed, no other material.
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | No |
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
- Single photon imaging / Seitz, Theuwissen
- Fundamentals of photonics / Saleh, Teich
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Optical detectors
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional