This is a charge-coupled device, (CCD), SITE Model SI503AB. It has 1024x1024 pixels, or electronic diodes, and is back illuminated. Diodes convert light photons directly to electical signals, which are then processed digitally to produce images. Because of their enhanced sensitivity and ruggedness, back illuminated CCD's are the favored design for low light level space imaging applications. Back illumination is a manufacturing method that reverses the diodes so that incident light hits the photosensitive surface first before passing through the electronic circuitry.
This sample was manufactured by Scientific Imaging Technologies, Inc. and donated by them to NASM in 2000.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.