Abstract: To know about the radiation effects on the super large array 9k×9k CCDs used in a space telescope induced by energetic protons, the experiments of the super large array 9k×9k charge coupled devices (CCDs) used in the space telescope irradiated by 60MeV and 100MeV protons are presented. The samples were exposed by 60MeV and 100MeV protons at fluences of 5×109 /cm2 and 1×1010 /cm2, respectively. The degradations of the main performance parameters of the super large array CCDs which are paid special attention to the space telescope are investigated. The full well capacity, mean dark current, and the charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) versus proton fluence are presented, which are tested at very low temperature of -85℃. The annealing tests of 168h were carried out after proton irradiation. The dark images before and after proton irradiation are also presented to compare the image degradation. The degradation mechanisms of the super large array CCDs irradiated by protons are analyzed. The experimental results show that the main performance parameters of the CCDs are degraded after 60 MeV and 100 MeV protons and the degradations induced by 60MeV protons are larger than that induced by 100MeV protons. The experimental results of the super large array CCDs irradiated by protons will provide the basic test data support for orbit life assessment of the space telescope.

Key words: charge coupled device (CCD), proton irradiation, full well capacity, dark current, charge transfer inefficiency (CTI)