Development of a photon-counting capability for the electron-bombarded far-UV image sensor

We have developed a video signal processing system to detect and store photoevents recorded by a magnetically focused, electron-bombarded CCD (EBCCD) image sensor of the type that flew on the Interstellar Medium Absorption Profile Spectrograph (IMAPS). The EBCCD represents a good alternative to detectors that use microchannel plates: the opaque photocathode is on a solid substrate which leads to a very uniform response with a high quantum efficiency. Our experience with sounding rocket missions has demonstrated that this image sensor can perform well in poor vacuum conditions. Previous uses of the EBCCD on IMAPS missions have worked with video signals that were accumulated in an analog fashion. To make the EBCCD more useful for viewing very faint images in the future, we have recently developed new circuitry to detect photoevents in real time and store them discretely. This photon-counting signal processing mode overcomes the CCD readout noise penalty that accumulates when many successive analog frames are added together. The new circuits also provide for an automatic, accurate subtraction of the CCD dark current pattern.