Sensitivity improvement in progressive-scan FT-CCDs for digital still camera applications

Sensitivity improvements in a 3.2 M-pixel CCD image sensor developed for digital still camera applications are presented. The introduction of gap-less microlenses increases the sensitivity with 25-30% while the high angular response is maintained. With the binning possibility at the image-storage transition, the sensitivity in monitor mode can be increased. Finally the sensor output amplifier now combines low noise and excellent linearity with a much higher conversion factor. This improvement is obtained by reduced parasitic capacitances around the Floating Diffusion area.