Point-spread function and photon transfer of a CCD for space-based astronomy

Abstract

A front-illuminated development Euclid charge-coupled device (CCD) is tested to observe the CCD point-spread function (PSF) relative to signal size using a single-pixel photon transfer curve (SP-PTC) technique. In the process of generating a SP-PTC charge redistribution effects were observed. In attempting to show that charge redistribution can be caused by exposing a charge-populated well in the CCD array to further illumination, excess charge became apparent in recorded data. Excess charge is suggested to be proportionally generated in the CCD array if existing charge is subjected to further illumination before transfer and readout. The construction of an optical test bench and CCD operating variables are discussed alongside systematic error concerns and mitigation techniques.

An electro-optical test system for optimising operating conditions of CCD sensors for LSST

“…In terms of photon transfer analysis, this exhibits as a non-linearity in the expected linear mean-variance curve [7]. One approach to obtain the gain information in these circumstances is to fit a quadratic, rather than linear, curve to the mean variance data [8,9]. Another is to recover the linearity by constructing a mean-covariance curve where nearby pixel to pixel co-variances are added to the variance [10].…”

Measuring a charge-coupled device point spread function

“…, and references therein). In addition, a front-illuminated pre-development CCD has been tested to observe the CCD PSF relative to signal size using a single-pixel photon transfer curve technique (Allanwood et al 2013) and Modulation Transfer Function (Swindells et al 2014). However, a detailed study of the intrinsic PSF performance from charge spreading in the pixel of a back-illuminated CCD273-84 has not been performed and published before.…”

Models for dynamic correlated charge collection effects in thick CCDs

“…Dynamic effects on charge collection in sensors in general, and the "brighter-fatter effect" (hereafter: BFE) in particular are becoming ever more important; being strongly exhibited in thick, fully depleted, back biased CCDs such as the e2v CCD250 LSST sensor candidate device, and having been observed also in testing of CCD273 devices for the ESA Euclid mission [1][2][3][4] .…”