Developing Extended Wavlength InGaAs Arrays for Ground-based Near-Infrared Astronomy

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

0352934 -- Skrutskie/Univ of Virginia Astronomical detectors, and ultimately imaging arrays, based on Indium-Gallium-Arsenide technology will be developed. These detectors will have sufficiently low dark current to enable background-limited observations from the ground in the 1.2, 1.6, and 2.2 micron wavelength bands. Although Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride and Indium-Antimonide array technologies already permit background-limited imaging at these wavelengths, the cost of these detectors prohibits full exploitation of available focal plane area on large telescopes at near-infrared wavelengths as well as the widespread development of near-infrared imagers and spectrographs for moderate- and small-aperture facilities. Indium-Gallium-Aresenide technology offers the promise of matching or exceeding Mercury-Cadmium-Telluride and Indium-Antimonide capabilities for ground-based broadband observations at less than 25% of the cost per pixel. In addition to the direct educational benefits of this work to graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Virginia, availability of this inexpensive technology will also: allow gains in science by enabling greater focal plane coverage at infrared wavelengths; provide access to moderate-cost instrumentation for small institutions; and enable modest-cost applications beyond the field of astronomy.