A High-Resolution Image Sensor

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Publisher: SMPTE
Doc Type: Journal Article
Article Type: research-article
Abstract: The Return Beam Vidicon (RBV) camera system features a recently developed sensor which is capable of producing images with a resolution of 4500 TV lines. Discussed here are the operation of RCA's 2-in RBV and how its primary assets are compatible with the system requirements of programs such as the Earth Resources Observation Satellite. The RBV combines the advantages of the conventional storage vidicon ASOS photoconductor and the orthicon electron multiplier. The sensor operates in a slow-scan mode and utilizes the modulated return beam as a signal path to decrease the signal noise. The primary assets of this device are an improved lowlight sensitivity, with higher signal-to-noise ratios than can be obtained with a conventional vidicon, coupled with extremely high resolution. The 4500-line video signal generated in the 1-in format is converted into a high-quality hard copy print by the Laser Beam Image Reproducer (LBIR). The high image retention characteristic of the photoconductor makes possible the slow-scan readout of a high-definition (100-ft ground resolution from satellite altitudes), nonsmeared image in limited bandwidth. Thus, a three-camera electronically shuttered system can be used to simultaneously photograph a given section of the Earth's surface in three different spectral bands. Data produced by the sequential readout of the three cameras, when superimposed, can be used to generate a sharp multispectral image. The high-resolution, low image distortion (geometric integrity, shading, etc.), characteristic of the RBV, results from the integration of the vidicon with a carefully controlled electron optic and deflection system. Distributed focus coils are used to obtain minimum spot size and proper beam landing over the full format. The image quality of the RBV/LBIR's high-resolution, low-noise picture is comparable with ground reproduction of present-day film and data transfer techniques used in unmanned surveillance satellites.
Publication Date: 1970-01-01
DOI: 10.5594/J16705
Link: https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705
Author(s): Frank H. Eastman

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Frank H. Eastman; A High-Resolution Image Sensor, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705

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Frank H. Eastman; A High-Resolution Image Sensor, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705

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Frank H. Eastman; A High-Resolution Image Sensor, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705

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<span class="citation">Frank H. Eastman; <cite>A High-Resolution Image Sensor</cite>, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970. Available at <a href="https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705</a></span>

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Frank H. Eastman; A High-Resolution Image Sensor, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970
doi: 10.5594/J16705
url: https://doi.org/10.5594/J16705

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<li>
Frank H. Eastman; <cite id="bib-10-5594-j16705">A High-Resolution Image Sensor</cite>, Journal of the SMPTE ( Volume: 79, Issue: 1, January 1970); SMPTE, 1970
<span class="doi">10.5594/J16705</span>
</li>