e2v Sensor to Map the Geometry of the Dark Universe

e2v has been awarded a contract to develop a new CCD for the ESA Euclid space science mission. The aim of the mission is to map and survey the shapes of galaxies to investigate the geometry of the dark universe through weak gravitational lensing.

Weak gravitational lensing requires extremely high image quality to measure the true distortions by gravity. e2v’s image sensors will form the visible focal plane array in the Euclid space telescope. The CCDs will be large area back illuminated devices optimised for 550-920nm. The devices will be manufactured for close-buttability to minimise dead area in the focal plane and reduce the telescope size, mass and cost.

Another good news message from e2v says that its facility in Grenoble, France has responded to increased demand within the line scan camera business by increasing its temporary workforce and implementing new shift patterns that better utilise equipment which has led to greatly increased productivity.

Positive trends within the machine vision industry have led to significant increased demand for e2v’s camera products that have been introduced over the last two years. The temporary operators and test lines are already up and running and have already doubled e2v’s production capacity.