Low light level detection down to the unique photon is the ultimate challenge to reach for many space applications (e.g. Astronomy, Earth-Observation by night, Detection and Ranging…) and non-space applications: night vision (for defense and commercial applications) , microscopy, life science, medical imaging… Traditional technologies used amplified detectors either photocathodes based devices (Image intensifier tubes, ICMOS, EBCMOS), or solid-state devices (SPADs, EMCCD), which are usually operating at high voltages. Moreover, except EMCDD detectors, photocathodes material and SPADs suffer from lower quantum efficiency (QE). The solid-state detectors approach then remains the main target due to their high QE potentiality. Nowadays Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) have been identified as the disruptive technology combining all advantages: small pixels with high fill factor, low voltage operation, accurate photon level detection and counting thanks to its high Charge-to-Voltage conversion Factor (CVF) and low noise readout chain

After a first thesis which end up with some QIS pixels design and manufactured tests vehicles, the first goal of this second thesis will be to characterize them in-depth and envisage tests under irradiations level representative to space environments if the pixel design is relevant. Based on the output of this study, a hardened design compatible space environment of a QIS sensor including a low noise readout chain up to column level will be investigated. If another a CMOS Silicon Foundry run is available, new tests vehicles will be manufactured and their performance assessed.

In detail, the doctoral student will:

• Update the literature of QIS or qCMOS and new radiations studies

• Conduct radiation test campaigns on the existing test vehicles

• Propose innovative architecture to design a sensor exhibiting high CVF, high sensitivity and low noise readout chain pixels, based on irradiations results outputs, and TCAD modeling

• Design new test vehicles and characterize them if CMOS Silicon Foundry run available

• Synthesize the work developed during the thesis and present the results in international conferences and peer reviewed scientific journals

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For more Information about the topics and the co-financial partner (found by the lab!); contact Directeur de thèse -vincent.goiffon@isae-supaero.fr

Then, prepare a resume, a recent transcript and a reference letter from your M2 supervisor/ engineering school director and you will be ready to apply online before March 13th, 2026 Midnight Paris time!