Area Scan Camera: A Comprehensive Guide to Technology and Applications
An area scan camera is a type of digital camera that captures images in a two-dimensional frame, making it ideal for applications requiring high-resolution, static, or slow-motion imaging. Unlike line scan cameras, which capture images one line at a time, area scan cameras provide full-frame images in a single exposure. This guide explores the technology behind area scan cameras, their key features, and their diverse industrial and scientific applications. How an Area Scan Camera Works An area scan camera consists of a sensor array that captures light intensity across a grid of pixels. When the shutter is activated, all pixels are exposed simultaneously, producing a complete image. The two main sensor types used in area scan cameras are: CCD (Charge-Coupled Device): Known for high sensitivity and low noise, ideal for low-light conditions. CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor): Offers faster readout speeds and lower...