Kodak rolls out new DR image sensors

Eastman Kodak Company is riding some success in imaging sensors of late, and saw sales of the devices double in 2005. The company hopes that with the announcement of two new CCD sensors for digital radiography (DR), as well as for applications in the scientific imaging markets, that its success will continue.

Kodak has leveraged improvements in pixel design first introduced in products such as the 39 megapixel (MP) KODAK KAF-39000 image sensor, to provide both a significant increase in quantum efficiency as well as a reduction in noise compared to CCD image sensors currently used in DR systems. These improvements should enable system designers to improve the image quality of existing systems or to trade this extra sensitivity for lower cost system components such as phosphor screens and other optical components, the company said.

Built upon the company’s KAF-16801 device, the new KAF-16803 model offers a 20 percent increase in sensitivity, one-third less noise, and increased DQE (detection quantum efficiency). The 16803 will be on the market by July, Kodak said.

The other new 9 million pixel KAF-09000 sensor incorporates a larger, 12 micron pixel that further increases the sensitivity of this device, enabling the design of systems that incorporate lower cost components, Kodak said. The 09000 offers triple the sensitivity of the 16801 sensor and also a lower cost because it is built on more widely used, previously existing technology. Look for availability to begin in June.

Both new image sensors share the same package and pin-out configuration as the current KAF-16801 device, simplifying migration to the improved devices.

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