High-Speed Image Detectors With Subelectron Noise Floors

Parallel ultra-low-noise hybrid detectors (PHUDs) are developmental image-detector devices for use in low-power, scientific-grade video cameras. The hybrid nature of a PHUD lies in the incorporation of both charge-coupled-device (CCD) image-detection circuitry and complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) parallel readout circuitry. PHUDs promise to revolutionize optical spectrometers and related instruments by providing low-noise, single-photon detection capabilities at conveniently high video data rates.