What is a Scientific Camera Sensor?

A sensor is used in a scientific camera. A scientific camera is made up of a number of fundamental building blocks. First you have a camera window. The window is a protective barrier and forms part of a controlled environment for temperature stabilization and to stop dust and debris getting on the sensor.

The sensor is mounted inside the camera. Light can pass through the window and fall on the sensor. Sensors are manufactured using a common manufacturing process called lithography. When CCDs or EMCCDs or sCMOS sensors are made, they are fabricated on a silicon wafer and then mounted into a camera. Typically, the sensor is also mounted on a cooler, with electronics to control the cooler, and to control the read-out and operation of the sensor.