IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize high sensitivity of an image pickup device using a photoelectric conversion layer including amorphous selenium by making the photoelectric conversion layer thick. SOLUTION: The image pickup device comprises a photoelectric conversion layer 23 including the amorphous selenium, a first barrier layer 22 formed on the first surface of the photoelectric conversion layer, a translucent electrode 21 formed on the first barrier layer, a second barrier layer 25 formed on the second surface of the photoelectric conversion layer, and a charge readout means 30 which is formed on the second surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer and reads a signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer. The image pickup device has a temperature control means 40 which controls the temperature of the photoelectric conversion layer between a glass transition temperature and the glass transition temperature + 30°C. This prevents the photoelectric conversion layer from breaking, and realizes the high sensitivity of the image pickup device. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI