Prof. Eric E. Becklin Profile

Prof. Eric E. Becklin

Chief Science Advisor at Sofia / USRA

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (38)

SPIE Journal Paper | 30 May 2022

Analyzing long-term performance of the Keck-II adaptive optics system

Emily Ramey, Jessica Lu, Ruoyi Yin, Steve Robinson, Peter Wizinowich, Sam Ragland, Jim Lyke, Siyao Jia, Shoko Sakai, Abhimat Gautam, Tuan Do, Matthew Hosek, Andrea Ghez, Mark Morris, Eric Becklin, Keith Matthews

JATIS, Vol. 8, Issue 02, 028004, (May 2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.8.2.028004

KEYWORDS: Adaptive optics, Image quality, Telescopes, Domes, Mirrors, Turbulence, Data modeling, Detection and tracking algorithms, Stars, Laser guide stars

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We present an analysis of the long-term performance of the W. M. Keck observatory laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS-AO) system and explore factors that influence the overall AO performance most strongly. Astronomical surveys can take years or decades to finish, so it is worthwhile to characterize the AO performance on such timescales in order to better understand future results. The Keck telescopes have two of the longest-running LGS-AO systems in use today, and as such they represent an excellent test-bed for processing large amounts of AO data. We use a Keck-II near infrared camera 2 (NIRC2) LGSAO surve of the Galactic Center (GC) from 2005 to 2019 for our analysis, combining image metrics with AO telemetry files, multiaperture scintillation sense/differential imaging motion monitor turbulence profiles, seeing information, weather data, and temperature readings in a compiled dataset to highlight areas of potential performance improvement. We find that image quality trends downward over time, despite multiple improvements made to Keck-II and its AO system, resulting in a 9 mas increase in the average full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a 3% decrease in the average Strehl ratio over the course of the survey. Image quality also trends upward with ambient temperature, possibly indicating the presence of uncorrected turbulence in the beam path. Using nine basic features from our dataset, we train a simple machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict the delivered image quality of NIRC2 given current atmospheric conditions, which could eventually be used for real-time observation planning and exposure time adjustments. A random forest algorithm trained on this data can predict the Strehl ratio of an image to within 18% and the FWHM to within 7%, which is a solid baseline for future applications involving more advanced ML techniques. The assembled dataset and coding tools are released to the public as a resource for testing new predictive control and point spread function-reconstruction algorithms.

Proceedings Article | 14 December 2020 Poster + Paper

Poster + Paper

Analyzing long-term performance of the Keck-II adaptive optics system

Emily Ramey, Jessica Lu, Ruoyi Yin, Steve Robinson, Peter Wizinowich, Sam Ragland, Jim Lyke, Siyao Jia, Shoko Sakai, Abhimat Gautam, Tuan Do, Matthew Hosek, Andrea Ghez, Mark Morris, Eric Becklin, Keith Matthews

Proceedings Volume 11448, 1144859 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2563252

KEYWORDS: Adaptive optics, Image quality, Keck Observatory, Stars, Analytical research, Turbulence, Data centers, Machine learning

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Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

SOFIA in the era of JWST and ALMA

Harold Yorke, Erick Young, Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 10700, 107000E (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2314222

KEYWORDS: Stars, James Webb Space Telescope, Galactic astronomy, Astronomy, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Imaging spectroscopy, Spectroscopy, Terahertz radiation, Magnetism

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Proceedings Article | 14 September 2016 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Telescope stray light: early experience with SOFIA

Patrick Waddell, Eric Becklin, Ryan Hamilton, William Vacca, Michael Lachenmann

Proceedings Volume 9973, 99730O (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2237519

KEYWORDS: Stray light, Telescopes, Optical coatings, Infrared radiation, Mirrors, Reflectivity, Space telescopes, Neodymium, Infrared telescopes, System on a chip

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Proceedings Article | 14 September 2016 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

E. Becklin, E. Young, M. Savage

Proceedings Volume 9973, 99730I (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238788

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Infrared astronomy, Spectroscopy, Astronomy, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Mirrors, Infrared cameras, Cameras, Infrared spectroscopy

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Proceedings Article | 2 September 2016 Open Access

Open Access

Paper

The AIROPA software package: milestones for testing general relativity in the strong gravity regime with AO

Gunther Witzel, Jessica Lu, Andrea Ghez, Gregory Martinez, Michael Fitzgerald, Matthew Britton, Breann Sitarski, Tuan Do, Randall Campbell, Maxwell Service, Keith Matthews, Mark Morris, E. Becklin, Peter Wizinowich, Sam Ragland, Greg Doppmann, Chris Neyman, James Lyke, Marc Kassis, Luca Rizzi, Scott Lilley, Rachel Rampy

Proceedings Volume 9909, 99091O (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233872

KEYWORDS: Point spread functions, Adaptive optics, Photometry, General relativity, Sensors, Data modeling, Stars, Optical transfer functions, Atmospheric modeling, Instrument modeling

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Proceedings Article | 3 August 2016 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: delivery and performance on SOFIA

Sarah Logsdon, Ian McLean, E. Becklin, Ryan Hamilton, William Vacca, Patrick Waddell

Proceedings Volume 9908, 99080B (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231757

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Spectroscopy, Telescopes, Mirrors, Image filtering, Photovoltaics, Space telescopes, Data modeling, Pluto, K band

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Proceedings Article | 1 September 2015 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

M. Savage, E. Becklin

Proceedings Volume 9608, 96080F (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2190393

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Mirrors, Pluto, Cameras, Infrared cameras, Infrared astronomy, Space telescopes, Astronomy, Spectroscopy

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SPIE Journal Paper | 7 July 2015

First exoplanet transit observation with the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy: confirmation of Rayleigh scattering in HD 189733 b with the High-Speed Imaging Photometer for Occultations

Georgi Mandushev, Edward Dunham, Peter Collins, Daniel Angerhausen, Avi Mandell, Eric Becklin, Ryan Hamilton, Sarah Logsdon, Michael McElwain, Ian McLean, Enrico Pfüller, Maureen Savage, Sachindev Shenoy, William Vacca, Jeffrey Van Cleve, Jürgen Wolf

JATIS, Vol. 1, Issue 03, 034002, (July 2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.1.3.034002

KEYWORDS: Exoplanets, Observatories, Photometry, Stars, Data modeling, Infrared astronomy, Rayleigh scattering, Signal to noise ratio, Point spread functions, Planets

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Proceedings Article | 31 July 2014 Paper

Paper

SOFIA science instruments: commissioning, upgrades and future opportunities

Erin Smith, John Miles, L. Andrew Helton, Ravi Sankrit, B. Andersson, Eric Becklin, James De Buizer, C. Dowell, Edward Dunham, Rolf Güsten, Doyal Harper, Terry Herter, Luke Keller, Randolf Klein, Alfred Krabbe, Sarah Logsdon, Pamela Marcum, Ian McLean, William Reach, Matthew Richter, Thomas Roellig, Göran Sandell, Maureen Savage, Pasquale Temi, William Vacca, John Vaillancourt, Jeffrey Van Cleve, Erick Young

Proceedings Volume 9147, 914706 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2056942

KEYWORDS: Spectroscopy, Observatories, Imaging spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, Sensors, Infrared cameras, Spectroscopes, Cameras, Radio astronomy, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 22 July 2014 Paper

Paper

SOFIA general investigator science program

Erick Young, B-G Andersson, Eric Becklin, William Reach, Ravi Sankrit, Hans Zinnecker, Alfred Krabbe

Proceedings Volume 9145, 91450Q (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2057410

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Telescopes, Astronomy, Spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy, Spectral resolution, Far infrared, Stars, Cameras, Infrared radiation

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Proceedings Article | 8 July 2014 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: early commissioning results

Sarah Logsdon, Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, Edward Dunham, Ryan Hamilton, Christopher Johnson, Jennifer Milburn, Maureen Savage, Sachindev Shenoy, Erin Smith, William Vacca

Proceedings Volume 9147, 91472Y (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2056874

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Sensors, Spectroscopy, Optical filters, Infrared imaging, Stars, Exoplanets, Image filtering, Telescopes, Infrared radiation

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Proceedings Article | 19 September 2013 Paper

Paper

Capabilities, performance, and status of the SOFIA science instrument suite

John Miles, L. Andrew Helton, Ravi Sankrit, B. Andersson, E. Becklin, James De Buizer, C. Dowell, Edward Dunham, Rolf Güsten, Doyal Harper, Terry Herter, Luke Keller, Randolf Klein, Alfred Krabbe, Pamela Marcum, Ian McLean, William Reach, Matthew Richter, Thomas Roellig, Göran Sandell, Maureen Savage, Erin Smith, Pasquale Temi, William Vacca, John Vaillancourt, Jeffery Van Cleve, Erick Young, Peter Zell

Proceedings Volume 8867, 88670N (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2022791

KEYWORDS: Spectroscopy, Telescopes, Observatories, Stars, Sensors, Imaging systems, Astronomy, Photometry, Infrared telescopes, Infrared radiation

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Proceedings Article | 24 October 2012 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

E. Becklin, R. Gehrz, T. Roellig

Proceedings Volume 8511, 85110B (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.931308

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Stars, Observatories, Astronomy, Absorption, Spectroscopy, Mirrors, Infrared astronomy, Infrared telescopes, Cameras

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Proceedings Article | 27 September 2012 Paper

Paper

SOFIA observatory performance and characterization

Pasquale Temi, Pamela Marcum, Walter Miller, Edward Dunham, Ian McLean, Jurgen Wolf, Eric Becklin, Thomas Bida, Rick Brewster, Sean Casey, Peter Collins, Scott Horner, Holger Jakob, Stephen Jensen, Jana Killebrew, Ulrich Lampater, Georgi Mandushev, Allen Meyer, Enrico Pfueller, Andreas Reinacher, Jeonghee Rho, Thomas Roellig, Maureen Savage, Erin Smith, Stefan Teufel, Manuel Wiedemann

Proceedings Volume 8444, 844414 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925736

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Stars, Mirrors, Cameras, Image quality, Calibration, Infrared telescopes, Imaging systems, Pluto

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Proceedings Article | 24 September 2012 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: current status and results from observatory verification flights

Ian McLean, Erin Smith, E. Becklin, E. Dunham, Jennifer Milburn, Maureen Savage

Proceedings Volume 8446, 844619 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926821

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Optical filters, Spectroscopy, Sensors, Cameras, Image filtering, Digital signal processing, Control systems, Image quality

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Proceedings Article | 17 September 2012 Paper

Paper

Early science results from SOFIA

Erick Young, Terry Herter, Rolf Güsten, Edward Dunham, Eric Becklin, Pamela Marcum, Alfred Krabbe, B.-G. Andersson, William Reach, Hans Zinnecker

Proceedings Volume 8444, 844410 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926845

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Astronomy, Stars, Space telescopes, Carbon monoxide, Pluto, Mirrors, Astronomical telescopes, Cameras

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Proceedings Article | 13 September 2012 Open Access

Open Access

Paper

Modeling anisoplanatism in the Keck II laser guide star AO system

Michael Fitzgerald, Gunther Witzel, Matthew Britton, Andrea Ghez, Leo Meyer, Breann Sitarski, Carina Cheng, Eric Becklin, Randall Campbell, Tuan Do, Jessica Lu, Keith Matthews, Mark Morris, Christopher Neyman, Glenn Tyler, Peter Wizinowich, Sylvana Yelda

Proceedings Volume 8447, 844724 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926700

KEYWORDS: Stars, Point spread functions, Adaptive optics, Laser guide stars, Electroluminescent displays, Optical transfer functions, Atmospheric modeling, Wavefronts, Atmospheric turbulence, Phase measurement

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Proceedings Article | 5 August 2010 Paper

Paper

SOFIA: progress to initial science flights

Erick Young, Eric Becklin, Pam Marcum, Alfred Krabbe, Helen Hall

Proceedings Volume 7733, 77330M (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858428

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Astronomy, Spectrometers, Infrared radiation, Cameras, Sensors, Terahertz radiation, Infrared astronomy, Astronomical telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 2009 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

E. Becklin, R. Gehrz

Proceedings Volume 7453, 745302 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.828619

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Stars, Infrared telescopes, Astronomy, Infrared astronomy, Infrared imaging, Galactic astronomy, Infrared radiation

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Proceedings Article | 10 July 2008 Paper

Paper

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

R. Gehrz, E. Becklin

Proceedings Volume 7012, 70121R (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790973

KEYWORDS: Infrared telescopes, Stars, Observatories, Space telescopes, Infrared astronomy, Galactic astronomy, Space operations, James Webb Space Telescope, Spectrometers, Planets

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Proceedings Article | 26 September 2007 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

E. Becklin, A. Tielens, R. Gehrz, H. Callis

Proceedings Volume 6678, 66780A (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.735903

KEYWORDS: Stars, Observatories, Planets, Infrared astronomy, Infrared radiation, Space telescopes, Telescopes, Galactic astronomy, Infrared telescopes, Image resolution

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Proceedings Article | 11 July 2006 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: a 1-5 micron camera and spectrometer for SOFIA

Ian McLean, Erin Smith, T. Aliado, G. Brims, E. Kress, K. Magnone, J. Milburn, A. Oldag, T. Silvers, G. Skulason, Eric Becklin, Ralph Shuping

Proceedings Volume 6269, 62695B (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672173

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Sensors, Liquids, Helium, Nitrogen, Optical benches, Observatories, Electronics, Cameras, Cryogenics

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Proceedings Article | 30 September 2004 Paper

Paper

The SOFIA science instrument program: lessons learned

Sean Casey, Maureen Savage, Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 5492, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552350

KEYWORDS: Observatories, Sensors, Detector development, Spectrometers, Data acquisition, Astronomy, Bolometers, Aerospace engineering, Cameras, Lead

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Proceedings Article | 3 March 2003 Paper

Paper

Characterization of FLITECAM: the first light camera for SOFIA

Amanda Mainzer, Ian McLean, Ted Aliado, Eric Becklin, George Brims, John Goulter, Evan Kress, Nick Magnone, John Milburn, Gunnar Skulason, Michael Spencer

Proceedings Volume 4857, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.458635

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Mirrors, Lenses, Collimators, Telescopes, Electronics, Telecommunications, Cameras, Optical filters, Observatories

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Proceedings Article | 16 August 2000 Paper

Paper

Performance and results with the NIRSPEC echelle spectrograph on the Keck II telescope

Ian McLean, James Graham, Eric Becklin, Donald Figer, James Larkin, N. Levenson, Harry Teplitz

Proceedings Volume 4008, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.395422

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Telescopes, Spectrographs, Cameras, Optical filters, Infrared radiation, Mirrors, Image filtering, K band, Space telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 29 June 2000 Open Access

Open Access

Paper

Is the galactic center source, IRS 21, as large as it appears?

Angelle Tanner, Andrea Ghez, Mark Morris, Eric Becklin, A. Cotera, Michael Ressler

Proceedings Volume 4005, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390142

KEYWORDS: Infrared imaging, Mid-IR, Stars, Polarization, Surface conduction electron emitter displays, Scattering, Point spread functions, Light scattering, Light, Infrared telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 29 June 2000 Paper

Paper

NIRSPEC observations of the galactic center

Donald Figer, Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, James Graham, James Larkin, N. Levenson, Harry Teplitz

Proceedings Volume 4005, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390132

KEYWORDS: Stars, Spectral resolution, Sensors, Galactic astronomy, Astronomy, Telescopes, Data centers, Physics, Image resolution, Absorption

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Proceedings Article | 29 June 2000 Paper

Paper

NIRSPEC brown dwarf spectroscopic survey

Mavourneen Wilcox, Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, Donald Figer, Andrea Gilbert, James Graham, James Larkin, N. Levenson, Harry Teplitz, J. Kirkpatrick, Adam Burgasser

Proceedings Volume 4005, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390148

KEYWORDS: Spectroscopy, Potassium, Stars, Atmospheric modeling, Calibration, Absorption, Infrared spectroscopy, Infrared radiation, Spectral resolution, Methane

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Proceedings Article | 20 June 2000 Paper

Paper

Optimized flight planning for SOFIA

Jochen Horn, Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 4014, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389121

KEYWORDS: Fourier transforms, Satellites, Clouds, Spectroscopy, Observatories, Astronomy, Absorption, Telescopes, Data modeling, Spectroscopic atmospheric monitoring techniques

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Proceedings Article | 20 June 2000 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: a near-infrared camera for test and science applications on SOFIA

Jochen Horn, Eric Becklin, Oddvar Bendiksen, George Brims, John Goulter, Evan Kress, Nick Magnone, Ian McLean, John Milburn, N. Molayem, Harvey Moseley, Michael Spencer

Proceedings Volume 4014, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389134

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Cameras, Sensors, Optical filters, Lenses, Collimators, Space telescopes, Observatories, Spectroscopy, Electronics

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Proceedings Article | 28 August 1998 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 3356, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324472

KEYWORDS: Space telescopes, Telescopes, Observatories, Infrared astronomy, Astronomy, Infrared telescopes, Spectroscopy, Imaging spectroscopy, Optical instrument design, Mirrors

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 1998 Paper

Paper

FLITECAM: a 1- to 5-um camera for testing the performance of SOFIA

Donald Figer, Ian McLean, Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 3354, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317244

KEYWORDS: Cameras, Telescopes, Sensors, Observatories, Infrared imaging, Infrared cameras, Image resolution, Optical filters, Electronics, Spectroscopy

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 1998 Paper

Paper

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Eric Becklin, Sean Casey, Jackie Davidson, Maureen Savage

Proceedings Volume 3354, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317295

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Observatories, Space telescopes, Infrared astronomy, Infrared telescopes, Astronomy, Spectroscopy, Mirrors, Imaging spectroscopy, Infrared radiation

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 1998 Paper

Paper

Design and development of NIRSPEC: a near-infrared echelle spectrograph for the Keck II telescope

Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, Oddvar Bendiksen, George Brims, John Canfield, Donald Figer, James Graham, Jonah Hare, Fred Lacayanga, James Larkin, Samuel Larson, Nancy Levenson, Nick Magnone, Harry Teplitz, Woon Wong

Proceedings Volume 3354, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317283

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Telescopes, Spectrographs, Cameras, Space telescopes, Calibration, Aluminum, Electronics, Optical instrument design, Optical design

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Proceedings Article | 6 June 1995 Paper

Paper

NIRSPEC: a near-infrared cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph for the Keck II telescope

Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, Donald Figer, Samuel Larson, W. Timothy Liu, James Graham

Proceedings Volume 2475, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211272

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Sensors, Spectral resolution, Infrared spectroscopy, Spectroscopy, Spectrographs, Cameras, Stars, Near infrared, Cryogenics

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Proceedings Article | 1 June 1994 Paper

Paper

Performance and results with a double-beam infrared camera

Ian McLean, Bruce Macintosh, W. Timothy Liu, Suzanne Casement, Donald Figer, Fred Lacayanga, Samuel Larson, Harry Teplitz, Murray Silverstone, Eric Becklin

Proceedings Volume 2198, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176759

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Sensors, Cameras, Electrons, Imaging systems, Infrared cameras, Stars, Mercury cadmium telluride, Infrared imaging, Polarization

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Proceedings Article | 20 October 1993 Paper

Paper

UCLA double-beam infrared camera system

Ian McLean, Eric Becklin, George Brims, John Canfield, Suzanne Casement, Donald Figer, Frank Henriquez, Anthony Huang, W. Timothy Liu, Bruce Macintosh, Harry Teplitz

Proceedings Volume 1946, (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.158704

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Cameras, Sensors, Clocks, Infrared detectors, Imaging systems, Control systems, Electronics, Analog electronics, Switches

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Showing 5 of 38 publications

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