Flat panel imagers with pixel level amplifiers based on polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor technology

We report here the realization of a large-area compatible, flat panel imager with pixel level amplifiers. The imager is based on excimer-laser crystallized, polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors. By incorporating pixel level amplification, flat panel imagers are expected to be able to achieve unprecedented noise performance, with the hope of achieving single photon detection. We have demonstrated good noise performance of 1300 erms, exceeding the commonly accepted industry standard of 2000 erms. We also briefly discuss the source of the extra noise, as well as the possibility of further reducing the noise level. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.