Hamamatsu Photonics has launched a pair of linear CMOS image sensors with long thin pixels to increase sensitivity in spectrometers, without hampering resolution.

Hamamatsu linear light senor 11639n-02
“The elongated vertical pixel enables efficient light collection, even with shorter integration times,” according to the time. “Surpassing conventional CMOS in the VUV [vacuum ultra-violet, see graph] region, both sensors exhibit remarkable sensitivity from 140 to 1,000nm.”

Both come in a 42mm long through-hole DIP package (see photo) and include a 28.7mm long and 0.2mm wide linear array.

S11639N-02 has 2,048 14 x 200µm pixels.

Hamamatsu S13496N-02 spectrum

Sensitivity is 1,300 V/lx/s and noise is 16e–rms.

S13496N-02 (right and below) has 4,096 7 x 200μm pixels.

Sensitivity is 650V/lx/s and noise is 20e–rms.

Both work from a single 5V rail (~40mA) and can output data at up to 10MHz.

Neither has a window in front of the sensing array, although they are covered with a glass slip for protection in shipping and assembly.

Variable integration time (electronic shutter) is supported, and the built-in timing generator allows operation with only start and clock pulse inputs.

Hamamatsu-S13496N-02-spectrum-kmpdb0709-300x274.jpg

“Surpassng conventional CMOS in the vacuum ultra-violet,” according to Hamamatsu

Cooling is not required and operation is -40 to +65°C.

Driver boards are sold separately and include a 16bit ADC and a USB interface that supplies power and handles data.