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Focal plane optics in far-infrared and submillimeter astronomyThe construction of airborne observatories, high mountain-top observatories, and space observatories designed especially for infrared and submillimeter astronomy has opened fields of research requiring new optical techniques. A typical far-IR photometric study involves measurement of a continuum spectrum in several passbands between approx 30 microns and 1000 microns and diffraction-limited mapping of the source. At these wavelengths, diffraction effects strongly influence the design of the field optics systems which couple the incoming flux to the radiation sensors (cold bolometers). The Airy diffraction disk for a typical telescope at submillimeter wavelengths approx 100 microns-1000 microns is many millimeters in diameter; the size of the field stop must be comparable. The dilute radiation at the stop is fed through a Winston nonimaging concentrator to a small cavity containing the bolometer. The purpose of this paper is to review the principles and techniques of infrared field optics systems, including spectral filters, concentrators, cavities, and bolometers (as optical elements), with emphasis on photometric systems for wavelengths longer than 60 microns.
Document ID
19860042220
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hildebrand, R. H.
(Chicago, University IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Optical Engineering
Volume: 25
ISSN: 0091-3286
Subject Category
Optics
Accession Number
86A26958
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-2057
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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