This paper describes a qualification programme for Electron-Multiplication Charge Coupled Devices (EMCCDs) for use in space applications. While the presented results are generally applicable, the programme was carried out in the context of CCD development for the Radial Velocity Spectrometer (RVS) instrument on the European Space Agency's cornerstone Gaia mission. We discuss the issues of device radiation tolerance, charge transfer efficiency at low signal levels and life time effects on the electron-multiplication gain. The development of EMCCD technology to allow operation at longer wavelengths using high resistivity silicon, and the cryogenic characterisation of EMCCDs are also described.

Date Published: 15 June 2006
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 6276, High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy II, 62760K (15 June 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.671368

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6276:
High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy II
David A. Dorn; Andrew D. Holland, Editor(s)