Principles of operation and design of the active-pixel sensors

Sensors based on the active-pixel matrix are not common used yet in Russia, their details are not available as well. The issue reviews a several papers on physical principles of operation and design of the active-pixel sensors (APS) developed abroad on the basis of the CMOS-technology. The design of sensors is considered also. A number of examples and results of their operation are presented. Key-parameters of APS and CCD-based sensors are compared. Advantages and drawbacks of APS are shown. The review allows readers to collect a starting knowledge in a new branch of the modern sensors and their applications.