Acquisition of a new Infrared Detector for Astronomical Research

Dartmouth College, Hanover NH

Investigators

Abstract

Wegner MRI0079523 Abstract An upgrade of the infrared detector for the Ohio State University-NOAO infrared imaging spectrometer (ONIS) at the 2.4-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory will be implemented. This has been a very productive instrument for astronomical research. The MDM Consortium, Inc operates the telescope, which is a consortium of Dartmouth College (1/3) and Ohio State University, Columbia University and the University of Michigan. In addition to doubling the field of view and wavelength coverage of the instrument, this upgrade eliminates serious cosmetic effect errors in the current system that causes calibration errors. The current detector will be replaced by an improved 1024x1024 pixel large format Raytheon InSb focal plane for use in the 1 to 3 micrometer wavelength region. The scientific research areas planned are wide-field surveys for extremely red objects (ERO's), infrared studies of globular cluster ages and infrared studies of supernovae. ***