Low-noise CCD signal acquisition techniques

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are often utilized as image readout devices in infrared focal plane arrays. In hybrid structures, the signal charge generated in the IR-sensitive detector elements is typically injected into the silicon CCD potential wells using `bump' technology. The floating diffusion output structure, which is regularly used in today's CCDs, also when used in the visible spectrum, generates an output video signal in which each pixel is represented by the voltage difference between the `reference level' and the `signal level'.