Generalized approach to cooling charge-coupled devices using thermoelectric coolers

This paper is concerned with the use of thermoelectric coolers (TECs) to cool charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Heat inputs to the CCD from the warmer environment are identified, and generalized graphs are used to approximate the major heat inputs. A method of choosing and estimating the power consumption of the TEC is discussed. This method includes the use of TEC performance information supplied by the manufacturer and equations derived from this information. Parameters of the equations are tabulated to enable the reader to use the TEC performance equations for choosing and estimating the power needed for specific TEC applications.