Megapixel Low Light Level Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Imager for Persistent Surveillance

Continuous improvements in solid state imaging have led to various approaches to meet the combined demands of large format, low noise and high speed requirements. Novel CMOS technology provides the basis for a monolithic CMOS Imaging Sensor (CIS) that meet these demanding requirements. Powered by a multi-billion dollar consumer market, where performance requirements can be as equally demanding as military applications in terms of pixel size, power and sensitivity, this CIS technology is advancing at an accelerated pace. Customizations to CIS design parameters make it possible to meet the performance requirements for very large area dawn to dusk imaging conditions at an affordable price. With new CIS technology breakthroughs and system-on-chip integration the large format CIS will provide a low power, high speed, high performance, affordable imaging solution for persistent surveillance and other military applications.