4K * 4K detectors for astronomy

摘要

Large format imaging detectors are required in many modern astronomical optical systems. With the increase in aperture size of large telescopes, the associated cameras for imaging and spectroscopy are much larger than those of a decade ago. Large physical format detectors are required to make full use of these cameras. The detector of choice has been the charge coupled devices (CCDs), although large format 4kx4k CMOS imagers have also been fabricated. We discuss recent developments in 4kx4k pixel imagers, typically with 15 micron pixels, which are over 60 mm per side. Several companies have produced such devices with the characteristics required for astronomy. Backside processing issues are discussed, including results from optimization efforts at the University of Arizona Imaging Technology Laboratory. We also discuss the use of such imagers in the 8kx8k 90Prime prime focus mosaic camera now in operation at the Steward Observatory 2.3 m telescope.