Improved Visible Image Sensor

This proposal is to develop a back illuminated Charged Coupling Device solid state image sensor with improved quantum efficiency in the ultraviolet qs well as the visible. the high quantum efficiency that can be attained with back illuminated CCDs, combined with the low readout nosie at fast frame rates, amkes it bpossible for this unintensified CCD to replace an improve on the performance of iage intensifier-CCD image sensors currently used for low light level imaging and star trackers and faint target acquisition in ASAT systmes. This CCD wiil allow smaller and more reliable cameras to be made. Eleminating the image intensifier results in loger term stroage reliability, higher spatial resolution and broqder spectral response. Developing this CCD for ASAT also presents a significant commercial opportunity in the area of low light level cameras needed by law enforcement night vision, industrial surveillance and scientific research.