Deep thermal infrared capability for the Multiple Mirror Telescope. Demands of multi-mirror telescope technology on infrared instrumentation

L. D. Keller, B. A. Sabol, G. H. Rieke

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages160-170
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)0819402796, 9780819402790
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
EventInstrumentation in Astronomy VII - Tucson, AZ, USA
Duration: Feb 13 1990Feb 17 1990

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1235 pt 1
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherInstrumentation in Astronomy VII
CityTucson, AZ, USA
Period2/13/902/17/90

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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