Optimized operation and temperature dependence of a direct light-to-time converter

This paper presents a fully Digital Pixel Sensor (DPS) front-end with a focus on the optimization of its operation and temperature dependence. The system relies on a new type of photodetector based on a hybrid MOS-PN structure displaying intrinsic light-to-time conversion. The photodetector as well as its front-end circuit are described as well as pulsed operation techniques that increase the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). The presented pulsed operation of the photodetector behaves as a direct light-to-digital conversion. Temperature dependence and its variation with bias conditions are theoretically and experimentally studied.