Noise in large-aperture self-scanned diode arrays

Abstract

An equation for the random noise of self‐scanned silicon photodiode arrays is developed which includes significant terms not previously considered. It is shown that, including these terms, the new 2.5‐mm‐high self‐scanned arrays are only slightly noisier than older arrays; but because of their much greater aperture, they can detect much smaller light fluxes than the older arrays even when used with simple, inexpensive amplifiers.