A Quantum-Efficient Systematics-Free Photon-Counting Optical Imaging System for Long Baseline Interferometric Imaging of Faint Deep Space Objects
Abstract
We have developed a four state Proxitronic image intensifier with system digital video readout for use as a high detective quantum efficiency photon-counting imaging detector optimized for long baseline speckle interferometric imaging of deep space objects. Accurate noise bias calibration requires low geometric distortion image intensifiers as well as linear video readout to yield a stable, calibratable photon point spread function. The image intensifier optimization is not limited to video raster systems but is intended to produce techniques for implementation of a fast phosphor (X-3 response) image intensifier first-stage with MAMA- or PAPA-type photon-coordinate readout systems. The objective is to demonstrate a prototype system for further evaluation of image intensifier capabilities in speckle imaging applications, and to demonstrate an observing system optimized for use in diffraction- and statistics-limited imaging at the lowest possible photon flux with the highest possible photon-counting efficiency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226336
Entities
People
- E. K. Hege