Imagine relying on technology that's been around for decades in the most critical scientific endeavors – that's the reality with CCD sensors. While newer technologies like CMOS are grabbing headlines, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) stubbornly remain the gold standard for scientific and space imaging. Why? Because when precision, minimal noise, and unwavering reliability are paramount, CCDs deliver. They're the workhorses behind groundbreaking discoveries, from peering into the deepest reaches of space with the Euclid Space Telescope to enabling cutting-edge advancements in microscopy and spectroscopy.
To understand why this seemingly 'old' technology continues to thrive, we spoke with Marc Watkins, Product Manager and Global Sales Manager for CCD Products at Teledyne e2v. Teledyne e2v has a rich history in space missions and scientific breakthroughs, and Marc sheds light on how ongoing innovation is keeping CCDs at the forefront of demanding imaging applications.
Let's start with the basics. Can you describe your role at Teledyne e2v and the types of imaging applications your team typically supports?
"I oversee our entire CCD product portfolio (https://www.teledynespaceimaging.com/en-us/products/ccd-sensors-for-space?utmsource=azonetwork&utmmedium=referral&utmcampaign=ccdmarketing&utmid=scientific+ccd+marketing&utmterm=azonetwork&utm_content=azonetwork) and manage global sales," Marc explains. "Our CCDs are primarily used in scientific fields like astronomy, microscopy, spectroscopy, in vivo imaging (imaging within living organisms), X-ray imaging, and space exploration. In fact, nearly every major telescope around the world uses our CCDs for their visible light instruments."
He further elaborates on the diverse applications, "CCDs are indispensable for medical research, particularly in in vivo preclinical trials for areas like cancer research. Advanced microscopy techniques, such as Super Resolution Microscopy, depend on the extreme sensitivity of EMCCDs (Electron Multiplying CCDs)." And here's a surprising fact: "CCDs aren't just confined to labs, mountaintops, or outer space; you've probably encountered them in airport security scanners without even realizing it!"
CMOS is all the rage these days. What's keeping CCDs relevant in scientific, astronomical, and space applications?
"While CMOS technology has made impressive strides in many imaging markets, CCDs remain the superior choice for a select but crucial set of niche applications," Marc asserts. "The specific technical advantages vary depending on the application."
Okay, let's dive into those technical advantages. What makes CCDs stand out from CMOS in high-performance or mission-critical scenarios?
Marc breaks it down: "CCDs (https://www.teledynespaceimaging.com/en-us/products/ccd-sensors-for-space?utmsource=azonetwork&utmmedium=referral&utmcampaign=ccdmarketing&utmid=scientific+ccd+marketing&utmterm=azonetwork&utm_content=azonetwork) excel in long integration times, where their large charge capacity, high linearity, and low noise provide unparalleled performance. They can be cooled to extremely low temperatures, making dark noise practically nonexistent. CCDs can also be manufactured using thicker silicon, which enhances their sensitivity to red and near-infrared light. Furthermore, CCD pixels can be combined, or 'binned,' together without introducing additional noise – a crucial technique in spectroscopy. And specialized Electron Multiplying CCDs are so sensitive that they can detect individual photons!"
Speaking of space, what specific requirements in space or astronomy make CCDs the preferred choice over CMOS?
"For most astronomy applications, the key factors are long integration times, excellent red/NIR response, and the ability to cool the sensors to extremely low temperatures (around -100°C)," Marc explains. "CCDs are simply a better fit for these needs."
But here's where it gets controversial... in the world of space exploration, proven reliability is often more valuable than cutting-edge technology. "For space missions, our long history and track record with CCDs make them a low-risk option," Marc states. "Since 1986, Teledyne's sensors have been instrumental in countless scientific discoveries across over 160 flown missions. Our CCDs are aboard the Hubble and Euclid Space Telescopes, solar observatories, Mars rovers, and the Copernicus Earth observation Sentinel satellites."
As CMOS technology advances, is the performance gap closing in areas where CCDs have traditionally been stronger, like low noise or quantum efficiency?
"For the majority of our applications, recent CMOS advancements haven't significantly impacted the CCD business," Marc clarifies. "For example, while CMOS has improved in speed, it was already the go-to technology when high speed was the primary concern. In terms of quantum efficiency, we can apply the same backthinning and anti-reflective coatings to both CCD and CMOS sensors, achieving peak QE values of up to 95%."
He continues, "One area where we're seeing a shift is in space applications like Earth observation. Improvements in CMOS technology, particularly in radiation hardness, frame rate, and TDI (Time Delay Integration), are leading some customers to switch from our CCD to our CMOS solutions."
How is Teledyne e2v innovating its CCD product lines to stay competitive as CMOS gains market share?
"Our CCD product lines (https://www.teledynespaceimaging.com/en-us/products/ccd-sensors-for-space?utmsource=azonetwork&utmmedium=referral&utmcampaign=ccdmarketing&utmid=scientific+ccd+marketing&utmterm=azonetwork&utm_content=azonetwork) have a long history of development," Marc says. "We focus on optimizing existing designs by tailoring specifications, such as anti-reflective coatings, to suit specific applications. With in-house sensor design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing, we can provide partially or fully customized CCDs to achieve the best possible performance for each application."
And this is the part most people miss... Teledyne e2v's commitment to CCDs goes deep. "Our dedicated CCD fabrication facility in England was established in 1985 and quickly became a leading supplier for space imaging missions and ground-based telescopes," Marc emphasizes. "We're committed to maintaining this vertically integrated facility and developing high-performance, customized CCD detectors. This facility is crucial for the success and quality of future space and science projects. We are dedicated to being a long-term supplier of high-specification, high-quality devices for major space agencies and scientific instrument producers."
Can you share some current or upcoming missions or projects where CCD technology remains essential?
"A prototype for a new intraoperative imaging technique using CCDs shows promise for significantly improving cancer treatments," Marc reveals. "In astronomy, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory uses a massive 3.2 Gigapixel camera composed of an array of HiRho CCDs, offering near-infrared sensitivity and close butting capabilities not currently available with CMOS technology."
He adds, "In space, the ESA's recently completed Gaia mission relied entirely on the functionality and performance (TDI) of our CCDs. The second Aeolus mission, which will continue measuring Earth's wind profiles to improve weather forecasting, uses a unique 'Accumulation CCD' that allows for noiseless summing of LIDAR signals to achieve measurable signal levels."
How do you address customer concerns about CCDs being considered 'legacy' technology?
"Focus on what's best for your application," Marc advises. "A CCD might very well be the right choice. You can find our range of available CCDs and their performance specifications on our website, or I'm happy to discuss your specific needs directly. I'll also be attending SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation in July 2026 if you'd like to meet in person."
Looking ahead, what's the long-term future of CCD sensors? Will they coexist with CMOS, or will CMOS dominate?
"The sheer diversity of imaging requirements, combined with the ongoing advantages of CCDs, suggests a continued long-term demand," Marc predicts. "We're still seeing instruments incorporating CCD products into their designs well into the 2030s and beyond."
How is Teledyne e2v positioning itself in this evolving landscape?
"Teledyne e2v is technology-agnostic," Marc concludes. "We recommend the best technology for the specific application, whether it's CMOS, MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride), or, of course, CCD."
Where can readers find more information?
- CCD Sensor Overview and Products: https://www.teledynespaceimaging.com/en-us/products/ccd-sensors-for-space?utmsource=azonetwork&utmmedium=referral&utmcampaign=ccdmarketing&utmid=scientific+ccd+marketing&utmterm=azonetwork&utm_content=azonetwork
About Marc Watkins
Marc Watkins is the Product Manager and Global Sales Manager for CCD products at Teledyne e2v. He leads a team of product engineers and customer service representatives, ensuring smooth business operations. Marc joined Teledyne e2v 12 years ago as a graduate and has held various product marketing roles in both the Space Imaging and Machine Vision divisions.
About Teledyne e2v
Teledyne e2v has been a key enabler of scientific discoveries for nearly 40 years, providing imaging solutions for a wide range of disciplines, from high energy physics to life sciences and astronomy. Their front and backside illuminated CCDs are considered the gold standard for scientific applications such as spectroscopy, microscopy, in vivo imaging, x-ray imaging, and astronomy. Teledyne e2v's CCD image sensors achieve some of the highest quantum efficiencies possible across a broad range of wavelengths, from X-ray and UV to visible and near-infrared. Understanding that every imaging application is unique, their engineers and scientists work closely with customers to provide highly tailored imaging solutions.
Teledyne e2v is part of Teledyne Technologies, a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview are those of Marc Watkins and do not necessarily reflect the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork.
So, what do you think? Are CCDs destined to become museum pieces, or will their unique strengths keep them relevant in the face of relentless CMOS advancements? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
