Digital Camera Technology Embraces Nanotechnology To Create Super Low Light Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD) Imaging Chips

Korean researchers from Planet 82 Inc. have used nanotechnology to develop a super low light chip for use in next generation digital cameras.

Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector

The new chip is a VGA, 2 megapixel, full colour chip known as a Single Carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD). The chip uses nanotechnology to give a pixel structure in the SMPD that increases dynamic range.

Low Light Capabilities

The SMPD is around 2000 times more sensitive to light than traditional CMOS and CCD sensors while being about half their size. This means the chip can create images at a shutter speed of 1/30 of a sec in near darkness or only 0.1 lux. At this light level the human eye is barely able to resolve anything.

Posted 29^th May 2007