Nuclear Radiation Degradation Study on HD Camera Based on CMOS Image Sensor at Different Dose Rates

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Radiation Effects
• Imaging Technology

Background:

• Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) CMOS image sensors (CIS) are increasingly used in radiation environments.
• Understanding the radiation hardness of unhardened industrial cameras is crucial for reliable operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiation effects of Cobalt-60 gamma-rays on an unhardened HD industrial camera.
• To analyze the impact of varying dose rates on camera performance and image quality.

Main Methods:

• Irradiation of an HD industrial camera (COTS CIS) using Cobalt-60 gamma-rays at dose rates of 1.0, 10.0, 20.0, 50.0, and 100.0 Gy/h.
• Biased condition testing and progressive degradation analysis of captured images.
• Measurement of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over time.

Main Results:

• The camera exhibited significant degradation, with image brightness increasing at higher dose rates.
• Radiation effects were more pronounced in darker image areas and worsened with increasing dose rates.
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decreased more rapidly at higher dose rates (≥20.0 Gy/h).

Conclusions:

• The HD industrial camera demonstrated functional capability up to 10.0 Gy/h with a moderate SNR decrease.
• Higher gamma-ray dose rates lead to more severe performance degradation.
• Findings provide valuable guidance for utilizing industrial cameras in radiation fields.