The near-infrared camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Scott D. Horner; Marcia J. Rieke

doi:10.1117/12.552281

12 October 2004 The near-infrared camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Scott D. Horner, Marcia J. Rieke

Proceedings Volume 5487, Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Space Telescopes; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552281
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

The NIRCam science objectives are the detection and identification of "first light" objects, the study of star and brown dwarf formation, and the detection and characterization of planetary systems and their formation. These three science programs are also the key objectives of the JWST program as a whole. The NIRCam instrument design is optimized for these objectives within the mission constraints. NIRCam consists of two optics modules, each with a field of view of 2.2 arcmin square. The modules are identical except for the mechanical layout. Each module consists of two channels divided by a dichroic beamsplitter. The short wavelength channel has a band pass of 0.6 - 2.3 microns, with pixels sized for Nyquist sampling of the PSF at 2.0 microns. The long wavelength channel has a band pass of 2.4 - 5.0 microns, with pixels sized for Nyquist sampling at 4.0 microns. Selections of wide (R~4), intermediate (R~10), and narrow (R~100) bandwidth filters are provided in each of the four channels, along with coronagraphic occulting masks and pupil stops. A refractive optical design results in a smaller instrument volume and mass, provides good images at the pupils for wavefront sensing and coronagraphy, allows good access to the pupils and focal planes, and relaxes the alignment requirements compared to a reflective design. The NIRCam instrument is funded by NASA/GSFC under contract NAS5-02105.

Citation Download Citation

Scott D. Horner and Marcia J. Rieke "The near-infrared camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)", Proc. SPIE 5487, Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Space Telescopes, (12 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552281

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