Flux-based calibration method for in-orbit non-linearity correction of large digital photodetector arrays

This paper presents a method to measure and correct the non-linearity of a high-resolution digital photodetector based on photon flux variation. This so-called “derivative sampling method” requires no calibrated light source or reference and has been successfully implemented with two SLEDs. This setup could be easily adapted for future satellites for accurate post-launch in-orbit calibration. A correction greater than one order of magnitude has been achieved.