Abstract
We present the first analysis of the statistical performance of the intensified charge coupled device (CCD). We include the Poisson statistics of the arriving photons, the exponential pulse height distribution of the microchannel plate in the image intensifier, and the effects of discrete digitization of the charge in reading the CCD. We consider a range of intensifier gains from the high levels that permit pulse counting to the low levels that can be used with the accumulation of charge on the CCD. As a tool for this analysis we develop an analytical model of the performance of the detector system that is generally useful for predicting many aspects of system performance under a wide range of conditions. The statistical penalty for operating the intensified CCD in the charge accumulation mode is not severe, and in some applications it may be desirable to accept this penalty to gain the advantages of increased dynamic range through charge accumulation. This investigation has revealed no pathological aspects of the operation of the detector system.
© 1986 Optical Society of America
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