@inproceedings{7e842248850c499585003095e581aab3,
title = "Deep thermal infrared capability for the Multiple Mirror Telescope. Demands of multi-mirror telescope technology on infrared instrumentation",
abstract = "Utilizing the light gathering advantages associated with multi-mirror telescope technology demands unique instrument design features, particularly in the thermal infrared. Specialized optics are needed to minimize the effects of the thermal emission of the telescope structure and the reflective surfaces as significant noise sources. Furthermore, it is unknown exactly how divided apertures perform in canceling the thermal fluctuations from the sky ('sky noise') which can exceed the effects of photon noise in determining the sensitivity. The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) has just commissioned a new infrared bolometer system designed primarily for use in the thermal infrared from 2 to 25 microns. We report on the success with which the MMT system has addressed these issues. We find that the MMT competes well in sensitivity with similar detector systems currently operating on conventional single mirror telescopes--preliminary results indicate that the instrument will reach N (10.6micron) magnitudes of 10 or better (one standard deviation) in integrations of one hour through a 5.4 arcsecond aperture. Thus, multiple aperture telescope designs can be used with full effectiveness for observations in the deep thermal infrared.",
author = "Keller, {L. D.} and Sabol, {B. A.} and Rieke, {G. H.}",
year = "1990",
doi = "10.1117/12.19085",
language = "English (US)",
isbn = "0819402796",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
publisher = "Publ by Int Soc for Optical Engineering",
pages = "160--170",
booktitle = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
note = "Instrumentation in Astronomy VII ; Conference date: 13-02-1990 Through 17-02-1990",
}