Signal Noise Reduction for Imaging in Biological Analysis

Abstract

A system and method for characterizing contributions to signal noise associated with charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis. Dark current contribution, readout offset contribution, photo response non-uniformity, and spurious charge contribution can be determined by the methods of the present teachings and used for signal correction by systems of the present teachings.

1 - 2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A system for detecting one or more identifiable signals associated with one or more biological samples, the system comprising:
 reaction component configure to perform an amplification or reaction sequencing of various constituent molecules contained in a sample;   a segmented detector comprising a plurality of pixels that are capable of forming an optical image of fluorescent light emitted from one or more biological samples;   a readout component that is capable of reading an output signal from each pixel, wherein the output signal comprises a charge collected and transferred from the pixel, and wherein the readout component comprises an output register that receives transferred charges from the plurality of pixels for readout;   a controller that is capable of correcting signal noise from the output signal, wherein signal noise comprises a dark current contribution and a photo response non-uniformity contribution; and   a processor capable of determining the photo response non-uniformity contribution.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the transferring of pixels' charges comprises successively shifting rows of collected charges until they are shifted into the output register. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the shifting of the pixel charges comprises application of a gate voltage to cause an inversion of one side of a potential well configured to collect the charge wherein the inversion causes the collected charge to be shifted spatially thereby facilitating the shifting operation.