News
- Titlee2v L3Vision image sensors provide sharpest ever images of space
- Date03 September 2007
British astronomers from the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed a new camera using e2v's L3Vision imaging sensors that gives much more detailed pictures of stars and nebula than even the Hubble Space Telescope, and it does all this from the ground.
Whilst a technique called adaptive optics has been successfully used to reduce atmospheric blurring of infra-red images from ground-based telescopes, a new noise-free, high-speed camera has been developed at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge which at last makes very high resolution, ground-based imaging in the visible spectrum a possibility.
This new camera is made possible due to the use of e2v's Queen's award winning L3Vision Charged Coupled Device (CCD) imaging sensors. L3Vision imaging sensors are so sensitive that they can detect individual photons (particles of light) even when running at high speed. It is this extraordinary sensitivity that makes these sensors so attractive for astronomers.
Follow this link to the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, UK for the full story, including images:
Picture: Dr Mark Robbins of e2v in the L3Vision test lab.
L3Vision is a trademark of e2v: L3Vision(TM)
NOTES FOR EDITORS
e2v technologies plc
e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:
o Electronic tubes
o Sensors and Semiconductors
These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.
For the year ended 31 March 2007, e2v achieved sales of £174m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l). In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors. These acquisitions strengthen the Group’s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.
e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:
o Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
o Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes products for military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar, electronic warfare, and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications. Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
o Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.
The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community. e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.
e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland. In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.
Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com
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