Charge-coupled devices in astronomy

Details Charge-coupled devices in astronomy Charge-coupled devices in astronomy

Oct 1982

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982sciam.247...66k&link_type=abstract

Scientific American, vol. 247, Oct. 1982, p. 66-74.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

5

Astronomical Photography, Charge Coupled Devices, Computer Techniques, Microelectronics, Radiation Detectors, Technology Assessment, Active Galaxies, Black Holes (Astronomy), Electric Potential, Galactic Structure

Scientific paper

Operating principles, construction, efficiency, and applications of charge-coupled devices (CCD) for astronomical observation are discussed. Zones of low electric potential gather photoelectrons, and electrons are then stored in a potential well. After a succession of shifts, the entire pattern of charge is moved one pixel upward, and the electrons are deposited in the output register and measured, one charge packet at a time, by an amplifier. The charge packet furthest from the amplifier is transferred 4,800 times. The electrodes, which collect the moving charge, are provided with an insulated base of silicon dioxide 1,200 A thick. The detector, with an imaging section of 12.2 sq mm, operates at an efficiency of up to 70%, a noise level of 10 photoelectrons or less, and a dynamic range of 5,000. At present, earth-based telescopes equipped with CCD's are surveying the sky to detect objects fainter than the 25th magnitude, and studies of the active galaxy M87 have suggested that there is a massive black hole in its nucleus. These detectors provide large amounts of data using computer technology, and as their use increases, so must the study of computer technology.

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