A Program to Develop an Astronomy Charge-Coupled Device Imager

Robinson Vogt Stover电荷耦合器件的巨大价值(用于天文观测研究的CCDS)正变得越来越明显。这些具有高量子效率、大波长覆盖、线性度、大动态范围、低噪声的二维探测器的使用，显著提高了大望远镜的研究效率。然而，性能与天文研究需要很好匹配的高质量ccd仍然无法在商业上获得。该项目旨在帮助缓解这一问题。在一家产业界和一所大学之间的合作项目中，Lick天文台和Reticon公司计划实施一项计划，最终生产出针对天文研究进行优化的高质量CCD。Reticon在生产硅传感器方面拥有丰富的经验，其中许多是为天文研究需求量身定做的，而Lick天文台在测试、评估和使用望远镜上的ccd方面拥有丰富的经验。目标是生产1200x400像素格式的ccd，像素大小约为20微米。这些器件将具有高量子效率、线性、高电荷转移效率、低读出噪声和其他对天文传感器重要的特性。在与Lick天文学家协商后，Reticon将负责设计和建造CCDS，Lick天文台将在实验室和望远镜中对所产生的设备进行详细的测试和评估。在该项目完成后，Reticon致力于向天文学社区提供这些ccd。除了探测器对天文研究的价值外，人们还有望在理解基本物理和材料特性方面取得重大进展。这些将对Reticon将这一产品和其他产品推向市场具有价值。

Robinson Vogt Stover The enormous value of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) for observational astronomical research is becoming apparent. The use of these two dimensional detectors with their high quantum efficiency, large wavelength coverage, linearity, large dynamic range, and low noise has significantly improved the research effectiveness of large telescopes. However, high quality CCDs with performance well matched to astronomical research needs are still not commercially available. This project seeks to help alleviate that problem. In a cooperative venture between industry and a university, Lick Observatory and the Reticon Corporation plan to carry out a program leading ultimately to the production of high quality CCDs optimized for astronomical research. Reticon has had extensive experience in the production of silicon sensors, many tailored to astronomical research needs, and Lick Observatory has had considerable experience in the testing, evaluation, and use of CCDs at the telescope. The goal is to produce CCDs with a 1200x400 pixel format, with pixels approximately 20 microns in size. The devices will have the high quantum efficiency, linearity, high charge transfer efficiency, low readout noise, and other characteristics that are important for astronomical sensors. In consultation with Lick astronomers, Reticon will be responsible for the design and construction of the CCDs, and Lick Observatory will carry out a detailed testing and evaluation of the resulting devices both in the laboratory and at the telescope. At the completion of the project, Reticon is committed to having these CCDs readily available to the astronomical community. In addition to the value of the detectors for astronomical research, significant advances in the understanding of the basic physics and materials characteristics are expected. These will be of value to Reticon in bringing this and other products to the marketplace.