Technology that can lower image sensor readout noise down to 0.5 electron noise has been developed by Leti, an institute of French research organisation CEA. The technology will be distributed by Pyxalis, a French SME specialising in high-performance image sensors, and will be shown at Vision 2016 in Stuttgart, Germany on Leti's booth.
The technology, named Owly-eyed, is based on the electrical architecture of a pixel readout that can be integrated directly into image sensors. It is able to achieve a sub-0.5 e−rms temporal read noise on a VGA-format CMOS sensor implemented in a standard CMOS process. The low-noise is achieved exclusively through circuit optimisation without any process refinements.
Owly-eyed has been designed to meet the growing demand for more sensitive CMOS image sensors, and has thus been adapted and provided to Pyxalis, which will offer it in its next-generation image sensors.
‘Leti’s Owly-eyed technology is a major improvement in low-noise imaging,’ said Philippe Rommeveaux, CEO of Pyxalis. ‘Combined with our capacity to offer advanced sensors with high digital integration and high dynamic range, it will allow us to establish a new performance standard in image sensors that address the growing demand for low-light applications in the surveillance, biomedical, science, defence and aerospace markets.’
‘In this common lab with Pyxalis, we’ve developed a low-noise image technology that provides state-of-the-art advanced imaging for next-generation applications in a wide range of markets and industries,’ said Leti CEO Marie Semeria. ‘This CMOS-based device, which can be adapted for multiple uses, is another strong example of how Leti’s broad technology innovations make our partners more competitive in their industries.’
Leti will demonstrate the Owly-eyed technology and a set of advanced smart-image-processing solutions at Vision 2016, from 8 to 10 November.
