Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2007 · 41 citations · 6 references
Natural SciencesAerospace EngineeringAstronomyInfrared AstronomyPhotonicsSensorsDetector TechnologyFar-infrared AstronomyInfrared DetectorsInfrared InstrumentationInfrared TelescopesNear-infrared AstronomyDetector DesignFocal Plane ArraysFocal Plane DetectorsMultiplexer DesignNoise ImmunityPixel PitchPower ConsumptionSpace-based Infrared Telescopes
The HAWAII-2RG based focal plane arrays represent one the most advanced imaging sensor technologies for near-infrared and visible astronomy. Since its introduction a few years ago, the HAWAII-2RG has been selected for a large number of space and ground-based instruments, including the James Webb Space Telescope. In addition, the SIDECAR ASIC, a fully integrated FPA controller system-on-a-chip, has been matured and is now being implemented in many of the next generation instruments. As a result of the SIDECAR ASIC, the detector system becomes a fully digital unit that is superior to the conventional discrete focal plane electronics with respect to power consumption, mass, volume and noise immunity. This paper includes an introductory description of the HAWAII-2RG and the SIDECAR ASIC, and presents the latest test results. It also discusses the latest generation of astronomy FPAs: the HAWAII-4RG. This new multiplexer contains all of the HAWAII-2RG features, but provides 4 times as many pixels at a pixel pitch of 10μm. Preliminary HAWAII-4RG test data is presented.
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