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Charge Transfer Efficiency

The fraction of electrons that are successfully moved from one pixel to another during read-out is described by the charge transfer efficiency (CTE).

The CTE has been measured using a Fe X-ray source, whose emissions generate a specific number of photo-electrons on the CCD for each detection. The read-out counts as a function of position on the CCD can then be converted to a CTE value.

The values found are:

Transporting the charge from the most remote corner of the CCD to the output amplifier will then lead to a 1.2% loss of charge to the following pixel. No difference in performance between using amplifier A and B was found.

Note that CTE strictly speaking is a function of exposure level, so the value given here may not be applicable to all cases. Near zero level and full well, CTE may be poorer than the value found.



Tim Abbott
Mon Apr 12 17:00:34 ACT 1999