Open pinned-phase CCD technology

A novel CCD technology, open pinned-phase (OPP) technology, is presented. Particular attention is given to the design and process features of an OPP-CCD that unite multi- and virtual-phase technologies. It is found that the OPP/CCD will produce a modest short-wavelength QE and excellent charge collection efficiency characteristics which are similar to those of the virtual-phase CCD. However, expensive processes related to thinning, backside accumulation, and packaging are not required in the present case.