Linear charge-coupled devices as multichannel detectors for optical spectroscopy

Linear charge coupled device (CCD) array detectors designed for use in document scanning applications have been proven to be useful as array spectroscopic detectors in some instances. The principles of operation, device architecture, and general characteristics of several common low-cost linear array CCD detectors as they pertain to use as spectroscopic detectors are described. In particular, the readout noise, quantum efficiency, low light level linearity and charge transfer characteristics, and charge capacity as it affects absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements are discussed.