Sensors & Transducers


Fast low-light level imaging

September 2003 Sensors & Transducers Access Control & Identity Management

The L3Vision CCD is a revolutionary solid-state sensor, recently developed by e2v technologies. It enables very low light level imaging at TV frame rates and above without the limitations of vacuum tube-based systems.

The sensors benefit from e2v's conventional, high performance CCD structure combined with a novel on-chip amplification technique, which provides up to one thousand times amplification in the charge domain. The on-chip gain register overcomes the fundamental noise limitations of traditional on-chip charge to voltage conversion and off-chip video amplification stages. Imaging under overcast starlight conditions (0,1 mLux scene) or the detection of single photons at video frame rates, is now possible using totally solid-state L3Vision technology.

The L3Vision CCDs detect the incident photon flux directly in the silicon pixel without a photo cathode or external photoelectron acceleration/multiplication stages. The direct detection retains the high imaging resolution of a conventional CCD while offering the gain normally expected from image intensified and electron bombarded CCDs.

A robust imaging solution is provided, as the sensors are not damaged by over exposure. The on-chip gain can be controlled by an applied bias voltage giving a high degree of flexibility to respond to changing light levels. The sensors can be used in high light level conditions, just like a conventional CCD, and transfer smoothly and rapidly to extremely demanding low light situations. e2v's L3Vision cameras utilise this feature within the automatic gain control circuitry and so, using an appropriate lens, provide true 24-hour video capability from a single sensor.

For more information contact Paddy Hanson, OEN Enterprises, 011 675 4447, [email protected], www.oenenterprises.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Inductive IO-Link sensors
Turck Banner Southern Africa Sensors & Transducers
Turck Banner is expanding its sensor range, with inductive measuring sensors with IO-Link and an analogue output for flush and non-flush mounting.

Read more...
Value of PDS grows with data and sensing technology
Sensors & Transducers
Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by proximity detection systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers. Booyco Electronics sees improved PDS solutions being developed, such as the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.

Read more...
Pulp fiction or pulp precision?
VEGA Controls SA Sensors & Transducers
The density of fruit concentrate has a direct impact on the flavour, texture and overall quality of the final product. The VEGA Minitrac 31, VEGASOURCE 31, and the KV 31 mounting bracket present a failproof solution that effectively addresses the technical complexities associated with high temperature, viscosity and fouling.

Read more...
Telco sensors in the pulp and paper industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation Sensors & Transducers
The pulp and paper industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. The high level of contamination in these dusty, dirty and grimy environments makes it impossible for most competing sensors to operate and sense reliably and efficiently.

Read more...
Vibration monitoring with IO-Link
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. fm’s new and smart IO-Link vibration sensor helps to implement a simple and scalable condition monitoring approach using only a single device.

Read more...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

Read more...
Empower individuals to control their biometric data
Information Security Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
What if your biometrics, now embedded in devices, workplaces, and airports, promising seamless access and enhanced security, was your greatest vulnerability in a cyberattack? Cybercriminals are focusing on knowing where biometric data is stored.

Read more...
Security industry embraces mobile credentials, biometrics and AI
AI & Data Analytics Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
As organisations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, security leaders are making strategic shifts toward unified platforms and emerging technologies, according to the newly released 2025 State of Security and Identity Report from HID.

Read more...
Nice launches DC Blue Astute garage door motor
Nice Group South Africa Technews Publishing News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Nice Systems SA has launched the Nice DC Blue Astute, a garage door motor for the South African market featuring a pre-installed lithium-ion battery instead of traditional lead-acid batteries.

Read more...