Recent Digicon developments

Abstract

The use of semiconductor arrays in image tubes is becoming increasingly important in a wide variety of applications. This paper will summarize the Digicon fabrication methods, and will describe several new devices that are in development. Two of the most interesting new devices include intensified charge coupled devices (ICCDs) and APD Digicons which use avalanche photodiodes to detect photoelectrons. In the case of the ICCD, test results will be given and single photoelectron pulse height distributions shown. Test results will also be given on the APD Digicon. This new rugged and potentially low cost photomultiplier device may find use in a number of high speed applications, such as laser ranging and high speed optical communication.