ISSN:
1572-9559
Keywords:
Infrared Astronomy
;
Infrared Instruments
;
Infrared Imaging
;
Detector Arrays
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We present a characterization of some processes affecting the performance of solid state array cameras designed for ground based astronomical imaging in the 8–13μm atmospheric window. Our discussion includes a novel model for electron-hole generationrecombination noise based on the probable pathlength of an electron in a photoconductor. We use the Berkeley mid-IR Array Camera as an example. For this camera, the results show that the total optical system composed of the camera, a 3m telescope, and the atmosphere has an efficiency of about 3%, a 1σ noise equivalent flux density of 25 mJy min−1/2arcsec−2 measured over a Δλ/λ=10% band width, and a noise equivalent expressed as the ambient temperature thermal black body noise of 23%.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01010740
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