High performance large infrared and visible astronomy arrays for low background applications: instruments performance data and future developments at Raytheon

Eric Beuville; David Acton; Elizabeth Corrales; John Drab; Alan Levy; Michael Merrill; Richard Peralta; William Ritchie

doi:10.1117/12.734846

12 September 2007 High performance large infrared and visible astronomy arrays for low background applications: instruments performance data and future developments at Raytheon

Eric Beuville, David Acton, Elizabeth Corrales, John Drab, Alan Levy, Michael Merrill, Richard Peralta, William Ritchie

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6660, Infrared Systems and Photoelectronic Technology II; 66600B (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734846
Event: Photonic Devices + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) has developed a family of high performance large format infrared detector arrays for astronomy and civil space applications. RVS offers unique off-the-shelf solutions to the astronomy community. This paper describes mega-pixel arrays, based on multiple detector materials, developed for astronomy and low-background applications. New focal plane arrays under development at RVS for the astronomy community will also be presented. Large Sensor Chip Assemblies (SCAs) using various detector materials like Si:PIN, HgCdTe, InSb, and Si:As IBC, covering a detection range from visible to large wavelength infrared (LWIR) have been demonstrated with an excellent quantum efficiency and very good uniformity. These focal plane arrays have been assembled using state-of-the-art low noise, low power, readout integrated circuits (ROIC) designed at RVS. Raytheon packaging capabilities address reliability, precision alignment and flatness requirements for both ground-based and space applications. Multiple SCAs can be packaged into even larger focal planes. The VISTA telescope, for example, contains sixteen 2k × 2k infrared focal plane arrays. RVS astronomical arrays are being deployed world-wide in ground-based and space-based applications. A summary of performance data for each of these array types from instruments in operation will be presented (VIRGO Array for large format SWIR, the ORION and VISTA Arrays, NEWFIRM and other solutions for MWIR spectral ranges).

Citation Download Citation

Eric Beuville, David Acton, Elizabeth Corrales, John Drab, Alan Levy, Michael Merrill, Richard Peralta, and William Ritchie "High performance large infrared and visible astronomy arrays for low background applications: instruments performance data and future developments at Raytheon", Proc. SPIE 6660, Infrared Systems and Photoelectronic Technology II, 66600B (12 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734846

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