New image sensor 100x more sensitive

Leonard Goh | Apr 21, 2008

The Japanese have developed a new image sensor that they claim is 100 times more sensitive to light than the existing conventional CCD or CMOS sensor. The prototype for the new chip is out already, and it is named CIGS (known only as Cu-In-Ga-Se, but we can make no sense of it).

Based on the structure of solar cells, this image sensor is able to pick up details in a very dark room, or even at 0.001 lux (the luminance from moonlight only). This means a lot to the imaging industry because one of the problems it faces now is the noise generated when users take a picture at high ISO setting. With a more sensitive sensor, users can take pictures at lower ISO sensitivity and achieve cleaner-looking shots.

While there is no concrete date set for the commercialization of this new technology, we are quite excited to see how it may benefit the end user. More updates on this space when we get more information.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
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ferdiei

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ferdiei says...
CIGS(?) we never know if this would be the final name of this new tech, since the name is directly related to the materials they used to develop, & the japs also comes in between when naming their products (remember blu-ray?). however, i firmly believe that technology in this field will continue to develop until an image sensor could achieve sensitivity as close to the human eye (as possible). a technology driven by human desire to "capture" the stillness of life in pictures, and video.

Apr 21, 2008 21:06