Photon-Counting Image Sensors

Photon-counting image sensors represent a possible paradigm shift in solid-state image sensors. In these devices photons are individually sensed and counted. To count photons the devices must have high quantum efficiency deep sub-electron read noise and the ability to read-out in digital form at high speed. This all-invited content from the top image sensor researchers around the world reviews the state of the art of photon-counting image sensors in a variety of configurations including CMOS image sensors and devices using avalanche multiplication and for visible photons as well as higher energy photons such as ultraviolet and x-rays. New methods of creating image information from photon-counting image sensors is also described. This new emerging technology will have applications in low-light scientific imaging for aerospace and defense and in the life sciences. It may also have applications in cryptography communications security cameras 3D imaging and photography.