Spectrometer SNR Estimator

Estimate signal-to-noise ratio for array spectrometers, showing individual noise contributions and dominant noise source.

Signal Parameters
Noise Parameters
Averaging
Signal
Signal electron rate
7000.0e⁻/s
Signal electrons
700.0e⁻
Noise Components
Shot noise
26.458e⁻
Dark noise
3.162e⁻
Read noise
10.000e⁻
Total noise
28.460e⁻
SNR Result
SNR (single)
24.595
Dominant noise
Shot noise
Abridged Optics — v1.0Assumes Poisson statistics for shot noise and dark current. Read noise is Gaussian. Signal = S × QE × t; Noise = √(Signal + D·t·n_pix + n_pix·σᵣ²).

All information, equations, and calculations have been compiled and verified to the best of our ability. For mission-critical applications, we recommend independent verification of all values. If you find an error, please let us know.