High performance CMOS pixels are introduced; and their development is discussed. 3T (3-transistor) photodiode, 5T pinned diode,
6T photogate and 6T photogate back illuminated CMOS pixels are examined in detail, and the latter three are considered as
scientific pixels. The advantages and disadvantages of these options for scientific CMOS pixels are examined. Pixel characterization,
which is used to gain a better understanding of CMOS pixels themselves, is also discussed.
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) - Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) - pixel - transistor
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.