Theoretical basis and experimental confirmation: why a CMOS imager is superior to a CCD

Sub-micron CMOS has already enabled the development of IR focal plane array with ultra-low read noise and high sensitivity for many demanding applications. The successful monolithic integration of silicon photo detector with low- noise pixel-based amplifiers in fine pixel pitch via modern CMOS technology now suggests the imminent obsolescence of CCDs and photographic film for consumer uses. Specifically, we report the achievement of < 20 e- read noise at high data rates and video frame rate,s the confirmation of the fundamental superiority of the CMOS imager for visible imaging, and approximately 2X reduction in kTC noise without invoking classical correlated double sampling techniques. These suggest a strong likelihood reduction in kTC noise without invoking classical correlated double sampling techniques. These suggest a strong likelihood that the CCDs long reign is coming to an end.