High performances monolithic CMOS detectors for space applications

During the last 10 years, research about CMOS image sensors (also called APS - Active Pixel Sensors) has been intensively carried out, in order to offer an alternative to CCDs as image sensors. This is particularly the case for space applications as CMOS image sensors feature characteristics which are obviously of interest for flight hardware: parallel or semi-parallel architecture, on chip control and processing electronics, low power dissipation, high level of radiation tolerance... Many image sensor companies, institutes and laboratories have demonstrated the compatibility of CMOS image sensors with consumer applications: micro-cameras, video-conferencing, digital-still cameras. And recent designs have shown that APS is getting closer to the CCD in terms of performance level. However, the large majority of the existing products do not offer the specific features which are required for many space applications. ASTRIUM and SUPAERO/CIMI have decided to work together in view of developing CMOS image sensors dedicated to space business. After a brief presentation of the team organisation for space image sensor design and production, the latest results of a high performances 512x512 pixels CMOS device characterisation are presented with emphasis on the achieved electro-optical performance. Finally, the on going and short-term coming activities of the team are discussed.