A Program to Develop an Astronomy Charge-Coupled Device Imager

罗宾逊 沃格特 秸秆 电荷耦合器件（CCD）的巨大价值， 天文观测研究正变得越来越明显。 的 使用这些具有高量子效率的二维探测器 效率，大波长覆盖，线性度，大动态 范围，和低噪音有显着改善的研究 大型望远镜的有效性。 高质量的CCD 性能与天文学研究需求相匹配， 还没有商业化。 该项目旨在帮助 缓解这个问题。 在一个合作企业， 工业和一所大学，利克天文台和Reticon 公司计划实施一项最终导致 生产高质量的CCD， research. Reticon在生产方面有着丰富的经验， 硅传感器，许多是为天文研究需要量身定制的， 利克天文台在这方面有着丰富的经验， 在望远镜上测试、评估和使用CCD。 目标 是生产1200x400像素格式的CCD， 大约20微米大小。 这些设备将具有 量子效率、线性、高电荷转移效率， 低读出噪声和其他重要特性 天文传感器。 在与利克天文学家的磋商中， Reticon将负责设计和建造 CCD和Lick天文台将进行详细的测试， 以及在实验室中对所得到的装置的评估 还有望远镜。 在项目完成后，Reticon 致力于将这些CCD随时提供给 天文社区 除了价值之外， 天文研究的探测器， 了解基本物理和材料特性 是预料之中的。 这些将对Reticon带来价值 和其他产品推向市场。

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.