Abstract
We have developed a low-noise infrared detection system for astronomical observations in space. The circuit is a charge integrating amplifier with a newly developed low-capacity InSb photodiode operated at 4.2 K. The amplifier consists of JFETs operated at 70 K. The readout noise is about 80 electrons for an integration time τ=1 sec. The dark current noise is negligible. The noise equivalent power is 2×10-17 W/√Hz at τ=1 sec and lower than 10-17 W/√Hz for τ>10 sec.
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