Can a CCD Be Used in Reverse to Generate Surface Charge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) in reverse to generate a pattern of surface charge on a material. Participants explore theoretical applications, practical considerations, and alternative methods related to charge patterning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a CCD in reverse to create a pattern of electrons on a surface.
  • Another participant suggests considering how photocopiers utilize static charge on surfaces, indicating a potential parallel.
  • A different viewpoint suggests creating a photographic negative or positive of the desired pattern and using a photosensitive material or a flat screen monitor as a pattern generator.
  • One participant notes that while CCDs were originally developed for memory applications, modern CCDs may have limitations due to output buffering, which could hinder their use for this purpose.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for specific types of CCDs, such as those capable of reverse clocking and having appropriate test inputs, to facilitate this application.
  • An additional suggestion is made about using a laser printer to produce a charge pattern by scanning a laser over the surface.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the use of CCDs in reverse for charge generation. Multiple competing views and methods are presented, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific requirements for CCDs, such as the need for reverse clocking capabilities and the presence of test inputs, which may not be universally applicable to all CCD models. There is also a lack of consensus on the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in fields related to materials science, electrical engineering, and imaging technology, particularly those exploring charge manipulation techniques.

jkg0
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I am working on a research project in which I will need to create a pattern of charge on the surface of a material. Could a CCD be run in reverse to create a pattern of electrons on its surface?
 
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jkg0 said:
I am working on a research project in which I will need to create a pattern of charge on the surface of a material. Could a CCD be run in reverse to create a pattern of electrons on its surface?

Interesting idea. I'm not sure about that, but are you already aware of how photocopiers place & use static charge on surfaces?

http://home.howstuffworks.com/photocopier1.htm

.
 
Could you make a photographic negative or positive of the pattern you want then project this pattern on the surface of a photosensitive material (as berkeman is ssuggesting)? I suppose you could use a flat screen monitor as a pattern generator.
 
Modern CCDs are used for image sensors but they were originally developed for use as memories so yes in principle you can input charge to them and make an image. CCD sensors have a buffer at the output node that in most cases will prevent you from doing that but many CCDs probably have a method to inject a test charge that can be scanned through the CCD for testing charge transfer efficiency and other things. In most cases these probably aren't documented in the data sheet.

That said I don't know that it would be useful for your application.
 
You need a ccd that can reverse clock, so not a virtual phase device.
You probably also want a full frame astronomy type device not an interline TV chip.
You also need a test input before the output amplifier
Some science CCDs come with alternate test outputs or simple unbuffered output transistors.
 
berkeman said:
Interesting idea. I'm not sure about that, but are you already aware of how photocopiers place & use static charge on surfaces?

http://home.howstuffworks.com/photocopier1.htm

.
Or a laser printer. You could produce a charge pattern by scanning a laser over the surface.
 

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