Infrared detectors and telescopes

Recall the thermal background we noted before:

Design of optical vs. infrared-optimized telescopes:

The 4-meter telescopes at Kitt Peak and Cerro Tololo are both classically-designed (i.e. not IR-optimized) telescopes.

The Mayall 4-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory:

The Blanco 4-meter telescope at CTIO:

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UKIRT, the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope:

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Note the lack of large sky baffles and the relatively open design:

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Note the thin supports holding up the very small secondary mirror:

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A schematic of the telescope design:

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An infrared array, showing the composite structure:

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A basic schematic of a bolometer:

Image © 1994 Rieke, G., Detection of Light from the Ultraviolet to the Submillimeter, Cambridge University Press

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