Hamamatsu Corporation Introduces CMOS Image Sensor with Unprecedented Dynamic Range
Hamamatsu Corporation introduces the C7942 and C7943, large area single crystal x-ray CMOS image sensors with exceptional dynamic range, as well as a large fill factor and low noise. Utilizing proprietary Hamamatsu technology, the C7942 and C7943 allow sharper, clearer x-ray images to be produced faster than ever before in virtually any inspection application, including assembly line, baggage, industrial, and agricultural.
Dynamic range of the C7942 and C7943 is 12 bit, which is a dramatic improvement over existing x-ray CMOS image sensors. Such high dynamic range eliminates the need to adjust the x-ray source beam current and tube voltage. As a result, the C7942 and C7943 produce images with greatly enhanced contrast compared to other CMOS image sensors. Additionally, the C7942 and C7943 achieve an unprecedented frame rate of 30 fps, which is 10 times faster than conventional x-ray CMOS image sensors. Such high speed is achieved by using compact digital output and binning.
Proprietary Hamamatsu technology is integrated into the C7942 and C7943 in order to achieve such high performance. The C7942 and C7943 are designed with a single 8" silicon wafer using state-of-the-art CMOS technology that enables a large fill factor of 90%. Hamamatsu's unique CMOS technology also integrates readout amplifiers that are monolithically manufactured next to the sensor, resulting in very low noise readout.
(more) The 120x120 (mm) CMOS wafer is coupled to Hamamatsu's proprietary "needle-like" CsI scintillator. The scintillator efficiently converts the x-ray energy into visible photons detectable by the CMOS image sensor, and prevents the dispersion of photons as they pass through the scintillator and into the CMOS sensor. The result is an x-ray image with 8lp/mm resolution, a much higher quality than images produced with alternative sensors.
The C7942 and C7943 are designed with a digital output that makes set up as easy as directly connecting the sensor to a commercially available frame grabber. Evaluation software allows ease of use for all x-ray applications. In addition to providing exceptional performance, the C7942 and C7943 are a fraction of the cost of conventional x-ray image sensors.
Hamamatsu is a leading manufacturer of devices for generation and measurement of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. Its products include photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, scientific light sources, infrared detectors, photoconductive cells, and imaging devices. The company's unique corporate philosophy stresses the advancement of photonics through extensive research, and yields products that are regarded as the state of the art. Hamamatsu products are used throughout the world in scientific, industrial, and commercial applications.
Hamamatsu Corporation, 360 Foothill Road, P.O. Box 6910, Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0910. Tel: 908-231-0960; Fax: 908-231-0982.