arXiv subjects

Konstantin Stefanov

Publications and source records attributed to Konstantin Stefanov.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Dynamic Range Beyond Bit Depth of a CMOS Image Sensor Using Interleaved Row Readout

The dynamic range available from a sensor is vital to its utility. The limits on the dynamic range that can be obtained from an image sensor are set by the brightest and faintest objects that can be detected. In recent years, CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensors (CIS) have gained high popularity due to their low cost and high availability. However, as with all detectors, the dynamic range is constrained by the sensor's bit depth. Here, we have modified the readout scheme of a commercial CIS120 sensor from Teledyne e2v, to enhance its dynamic range. We have advanced the interleaved row readout method proposed by Wocial et al. by using a more sophisticated approach, which enables us to readout chosen rows much more frequently to avoid saturation and then readout other rows on the sensor once to form the image. Our laboratory tests provide a dynamic range of 134 dB elevated from the sensor's native 12-bit of about 71 dB. We also built a camera housing that enabled first-time operation of interleaved row readout on-sky to observe the bright stars, Vega and Polaris. In complex mode we obtained unsaturated single exposure images of these bright stars, which have magnitudes near zero and detect background stars with Gaia G magnitudes around 15 in a single exposure, with a detection threshold of 5$σ$. The achievable dynamic range with this interleaved row readout is limited only by the readout noise and scattering in the camera optics.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Transformational astrophysics and exoplanet science with Habitable Worlds Observatory's High Resolution Imager

Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) will be NASA's flagship space telescope of the 2040s, designed to search for life on other planets and to transform broad areas of astrophysics. NASA are seeking international partners, and the UK is well-placed to lead the design and construction of its imaging camera - which is likely to produce the mission's most visible public impact. Early participation in the mission would return investment to UK industry, and bring generational leadership for the UK in space science, space technology, and astrophysics.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2010

ISIS2: Pixel Sensor with Local Charge Storage for ILC Vertex Detector

ISIS (In-situ Storage Imaging Sensor) is a novel CMOS sensor with multiple charge storage capability developed for the ILC vertex detector by the Linear Collider Flavour Identification (LCFI) collaboration. This paper reports test results for ISIS2, the second generation of ISIS sensors implemented in a 0.18 micron CMOS process. The local charge storage and charge transfer were unambiguously demonstrated.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2009

Comparison of Measurements of Charge Transfer Inefficiencies in a CCD with High-Speed Column Parallel Readout

Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been successfully used in several high energy physics experiments over the past two decades. Their high spatial resolution and thin sensitive layers make them an excellent tool for studying short-lived particles. The Linear Collider Flavour Identification (LCFI) Collaboration has been developing Column-Parallel CCDs for the vertex detector of a future Linear Collider which can be read out many times faster than standard CCDs. The most recent studies are of devices designed to reduce both the CCD's intergate capacitance and the clock voltages necessary to drive it. A comparative study of measured Charge Transfer Inefficiency values between our previous and new results for a range of operating temperatures is presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2009

The LCFIVertex package: vertexing, flavour tagging and vertex charge reconstruction with an ILC vertex detector

The precision measurements envisaged at the International Linear Collider (ILC) depend on excellent instrumentation and reconstruction software. The correct identification of heavy flavour jets, placing unprecedented requirements on the quality of the vertex detector, will be central for the ILC programme. This paper describes the LCFIVertex software, which provides tools for vertex finding and for identification of the flavour and charge of the leading hadron in heavy flavour jets. These tools are essential for the ongoing optimisation of the vertex detector design for linear colliders such as the ILC. The paper describes the algorithms implemented in the LCFIVertex package, as well as the scope of the code and its performance for a typical vertex detector design.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

Modeling of Charge Transfer Inefficiency in a CCD with High Speed Column Parallel Readout

Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been successfully used in several high energy physics experiments over the past two decades. Their high spatial resolution and thin sensitive layers make them an excellent tool for studying short-lived particles. The Linear Collider Flavour Identification (LCFI) collaboration is developing Column-Parallel CCDs (CPCCDs) for the vertex detector of a future Linear Collider. The CPCCDs can be read out many times faster than standard CCDs, significantly increasing their operating speed. An Analytic Model has been developed for the determination of the charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) of a CPCCD. The CTI values determined with the Analytic Model agree largely with those from a full TCAD simulation. The Analytic Model allows efficient study of the variation of the CTI on parameters like readout frequency, operating temperature and occupancy.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

Measurements of Charge Transfer Inefficiency in a CCD with High-Speed Column Parallel Readout

Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been successfully used in several high energy physics experiments over the past two decades. Their high spatial resolution and thin sensitive layers make them an excellent tool for studying short-lived particles. The Linear Collider Flavour Identification (LCFI) collaboration is developing Column-Parallel CCDs (CPCCDs) for the vertex detector of a future Linear Collider. The CPCCDs can be read out many times faster than standard CCDs, significantly increasing their operating speed. A test stand for measuring the charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) of a prototype CPCCD has been set up. Studies of the CTI have been performed at a range of readout frequencies and operating temperatures.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Radiation Hardness of CCD Vertex Detectors for the ILC

Results of detailed simulations of the charge transfer inefficiency of a prototype CCD chip are reported. The effect of radiation damage in a particle detector operating at a future accelerator is studied by examining two electron trap levels, 0.17 eV and 0.44 eV below the bottom of the conduction band. Good agreement is found between simulations using the ISE-TCAD DESSIS program and an analytical model for the 0.17 eV level. Optimum operation is predicted to be at about 250 K where the effect of the traps is minimal which is approximately independent of readout frequency. This work has been carried out within the Linear Collider Flavour Identification (LCFI) collaboration in the context of the International Linear Collider (ILC) project.

physics.ins-det↗