CCD vertex detector for the future linear collider

The R&D program at the LCFI collaboration is dedicated to the building of CCD-based vertex detector, satisfying the challenging requirements of the proposed future linear colliders. The mechanical part of the program targets the development of precision thin detector ladders, using large back-thinned unsupported CCDs under tension. Another part of the program aims to achieve very fast readout of the sensors using column-parallel CCDs, bump bonded to a dedicated CMOS readout chip. Each column of the CCD is read and processed independently, which gives the ultimate speed performance. Some results on modelling of the proposed column parallel CCD with device simulator CAD tools are presented. Tests on fast commercial CCD are being carried out to provide information on noise performance and handling of MIP-like charges at high clock frequencies.