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LABOCA: a first generation bolometer camera for APEX
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2003
Year
EngineeringSpace OpticAlma SiteSatellite InstrumentationCalibrationCamera CalibrationActive OpticsFirst LightAstronomical Image AnalysisInfrared OpticInstrumentationSubmillimeter TelescopeRadiation ImagingObservational CosmologyPhotometryTime-of-flight CameraRadiometrySynchrotron RadiationRadio TelescopeSubmillimeter Wave TechnologyAstrophysicsAdaptive Optic
With ESO and Onsala Space Observatory as partners, the Max-Planck-Institut for Radioastronomie (MPIfR) is building a submillimeter telescope of 12 m diameter (APEX), to be placed on the ALMA site (Chajnantor) in Chile. The telescope will be a modified copy of that ALMA prototype antenna, which has been designed by Vertex. First light is foreseen for 2003. As a result of the excellent atmospheric conditions of the site, APEX will offer unique opportunities for submm astronomy in the southern hemisphere. Many kinds of astronomical reseach projects benefit from large format bolometer arrays, especially the search for early galaxies and QSOs at very high redshifts. Designed for this purpose, LABOCA, the large bolometer camera, will operate at a wavelength of 870 μm and is planned to be operational soon after first light of APEX.