Optical detectors

MICRO-523 / 3 credits

Teacher: Bruschini Claudio

Language: English

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:

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Fall
  • Exam form: Oral (winter session)
  • Subject examined: Optical detectors
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 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
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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