Abstract: A charge transfer readout device and a photovoltaic diode input in which the charges involved in the readout device have the opposite sign to those of the signal from the diode. The invention provides for adding to the diode signal a current of the opposite sign of sufficient quantity that the resultant is of the sign involved in the readout device. This current is supplied by an MOS transistor formed on the substrate of the readout device and includes a P doped zone, which is separated from another P doped zone to which the signal from the diode is applied through an electrode.

Abstract: In a device comprising N lines and M columns of infrared-sensitive photodiodes, the charges derived from the detectors of one column are integrated in a first series of capacitors. MOS transistors connect the first series of capacitors to a second series in order to produce a distribution of charges between these capacitors. MOS transistors mounted as emitter-followers read the level of charges within the second capacitors while integration of the charges takes place in the first capacitors of the detectors of the next column. The detectors and the remainder of the device are integrated on two different semiconductor substrates but the device as a whole is integrated in one cryostat having a single output.

Abstract: A photovoltaic diode input, and a charge transfer readout device are coupled by a MOS stage. The coupling stage includes a MOS transistor, to which is added, close to the source electrode of the MOS transistor which receives the signal from the diode, an extra electrode under which are stored charges which flow at the same time as those of the signal toward the readout device. Thus, the current involved is increased and the efficiency of signal injection into the readout device is improved.