Si:As IBC Array Performance for SIRTF/IFAC

摘要

The goal of achieving background-limited performance in SIRTF's cryogenic telescope environment places stringent demands on focal plane sensitivity. SIRTF's prime imaging instrument, the InfraRed Array Camera (IRAC), employs 256X256 Si:As Impurity-Band Conduction (IBC) arrays for its two longest wavelength channels at 5.8 mum and 8.0 mum. Background-limited perofrmance is achieved at very low levels of zodiacal background raidation with cryo-optimized readout and detector technology from Raytheon. Presented here are performance measurements of IRAC flight candidate IBC arrays. Operating at a temperature of 6 K, these devices meet all IRAC sensitivity requirements, with dark currents well below the 10 e-/s specification, Fowler-sampled noise levels of 16 e-, and excellent photometric stability.