Evaluation and characterization of hybrid arrays

An Infrared Camera was built for astronomical observations and for testing arrays for satellite based work. The detectors are sensitive to mid infrared wavelengths. The camera was tested at the University of Arizona 61 and 90 inch telescopes and the NASA IRTF. These tests have demonstrated a sensitivity consistent with photon shot noise with an approximately 10% quantum efficiency for each pixel when the camera was used with a 1.6% spectral filter or when used with a Fabry-Perot having a resolving power of 2000. Initial measurements of read out noise, dark current, cross talk, and hysteresis were made. The detector chip in current use is a hybrid array manufactured by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Because part of the goal was to develop and advance technology, it was decided to work with a switched MOSFET array. This architecture is very promising, and the detector parameters will be quantified carefully.