Geometric design of linear array detectors

A technique for computing the shape of photosensors in a linear array is described. The method illustrated computes the dimensions of the detectors that produce the highest signal-to-noise performance at the high spatial frequency limit of the array. These detectors turn out to be wider than the pitch of the array, necessitating a bilinear array configuration. The special case of equal signal-to-noise ratio parallel and perpendicular to the array is derived. An illustration is shown.