Michael Jacox, Space Micro Inc; David Breckon, Space Micro Inc; Paul Sikangwan, Space Micro Inc; Joshua Villaflor, Space Micro Inc
Keywords: Scientific CMOS, space based camera, low read noise
Abstract:
This paper describes modeling and comparison of several candidate imagers for space based observation of sunlit objects. A camera designed for long term space operation using a scientific complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (sCMOS) imager sensor is presented. sCMOS image sensors can offer extremely low noise, rapid frame rates, wide dynamic range, high quantum efficiency, high resolution, and a large field of view in one image. This makes them well suited for high fidelity low-light-level conditions from space platforms. A detailed camera model was developed to compare candidate imager sensors that included optical, imager and environmental parameters. Camera level trade studies include an assessment of Minimum Detectable Irradiance (MDI) versus aperture, exposure time and camera platform angular rates. The results demonstrate the advantages of extremely low read-noise and high quantum efficiency imagers for space based observation of space objects. The camera design is optimized based on the sCMOS features for the harsh space radiation environment.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2018
Track: Optical Systems Instrumentation