arXiv subjects

Bernard J. Rauscher

Publications and source records attributed to Bernard J. Rauscher.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Improved Reference Sampling and Subtraction: A Technique for Reducing the Read Noise of Near-infrared Detector Systems

Near-infrared array detectors, like the \JWST NIRSpec's Teledyne's H2RGs, often provide reference pixels and a reference output. These are used to remove correlated noise. Improved Reference Sampling and Subtraction (\IRSSquare, pronounced "IRS-square") is a statistical technique for using this reference information optimally in a least squares sense. Compared to "traditional" H2RG readout, \IRSSquare uses a different clocking pattern to interleave many more reference pixels into the data than is otherwise possible. Compared to standard reference correction techniques, \IRSSquare subtracts the reference pixels and reference output using a statistically optimized set of frequency dependent weights. The benefits include somewhat lower noise variance and much less obvious correlated noise. NIRSpec's \IRSSquare images are cosmetically clean, with less $1/f$ banding than in traditional data from the same system. This article describes the \IRSSquare clocking pattern and presents the equations that are needed to use \IRSSquare in systems other than NIRSpec. For NIRSpec, applying these equations is already an option in the calibration pipeline. As an aid to instrument builders, we provide our prototype \IRSSquare calibration software and sample \JWST NIRSpec data. The same techniques are applicable to other detector systems, including those based on Teledyne's H4RG arrays. The H4RG's "interleaved reference pixel readout" mode is effectively one \IRSSquare pattern.

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arXiv2016

Detectors and cooling technology for direct spectroscopic biosignature characterization

Direct spectroscopic biosignature characterization (hereafter "biosignature characterization") will be a major focus for future space observatories equipped with coronagraphs or starshades. Our aim in this article is to provide an introduction to potential detector and cooling technologies for biosignature characterization. We begin by reviewing the needs. These include nearly noiseless photon detection at flux levels as low as $<0.001~\textrm{photons}~s^{-1}~\textrm{pixel}^{-1}$ in the visible and near-IR. We then discuss potential areas for further testing and/or development to meet these needs using non-cryogenic detectors (EMCCD, HgCdTe array, HgCdTe APD array), and cryogenic single photon detectors (MKID arrays and TES microcalorimeter arrays). Non-cryogenic detectors are compatible with the passive cooling that is strongly preferred by coronagraphic missions, but would add non-negligible noise. Cryogenic detectors would require active cooling, but in return deliver nearly quantum limited performance. Based on the flight dynamics of past NASA missions, we discuss reasonable vibration expectations for a large UV-Optical-IR space telescope (LUVOIR) and preliminary cooling concepts that could potentially fit into a vibration budget without being the largest element. We believe that a cooler that meets the stringent vibration needs of a LUVOIR is also likely to meet those of a starshade-based Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission.

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arXiv2015

Teledyne H1RG, H2RG, and H4RG Noise Generator

This paper describes the near-infrared detector system noise generator (NG) that we wrote for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec). NG simulates many important noise components including; (1) white "read noise," (2) residual bias drifts, (3) pink $1/f$ noise, (4) alternating column noise, and (5) picture frame noise. By adjusting the input parameters, NG can simulate noise for Teledyne's H1RG, H2RG, and H4RG detectors with and without Teledyne's SIDECAR ASIC IR array controller. NG can be used as a starting point for simulating astronomical scenes by adding dark current, scattered light, and astronomical sources into the results from NG. NG is written in Python-3.4. The source code is freely available for download from http://jwst.nasa.gov/publications.html.

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arXiv2015

ATLAST detector needs for direct spectroscopic biosignature characterization in the visible and near-IR

Are we alone? Answering this ageless question will be a major focus for astrophysics in coming decades. Our tools will include unprecedentedly large UV-Optical-IR space telescopes working with advanced coronagraphs and starshades. Yet, these facilities will not live up to their full potential without better detectors than we have today. To inform detector development, this paper provides an overview of visible and near-IR (VISIR; $λ=0.4-1.8~μ\textrm{m}$) detector needs for the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST), specifically for spectroscopic characterization of atmospheric biosignature gasses. We also provide a brief status update on some promising detector technologies for meeting these needs in the context of a passively cooled ATLAST.

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arXiv2014

Characterization of a photon counting EMCCD for space-based high contrast imaging spectroscopy of extrasolar planets

We present the progress of characterization of a low-noise, photon counting Electron Multiplying Charged Coupled Device (EMCCD) operating in optical wavelengths and demonstrate possible solutions to the problems of Clock-Induced Charge (CIC) and other trapped charge through sub-bandgap illumination. Such a detector will be vital to the feasibility of future space-based direct imaging and spectroscopy missions for exoplanet characterization, and is scheduled to fly on-board the AFTA-WFIRST mission. The 512$\times$512 EMCCD is an e2v detector housed and clocked by a Nüvü Cameras controller. Through a multiplication gain register, this detector produces as many as 5000 electrons for a single, incident-photon-induced photoelectron produced in the detector, enabling single photon counting operation with read noise and dark current orders of magnitude below that of standard CCDs. With the extremely high contrasts (Earth-to-Sun flux ratio is $\sim$ 10$^{-10}$) and extremely faint targets (an Earth analog would measure 28$^{th}$ - 30$^{th}$ magnitude or fainter), a photon-counting EMCCD is absolutely necessary to measure the signatures of habitability on an Earth-like exoplanet within the timescale of a mission's lifetime, and we discuss the concept of operations for an EMCCD making such measurements.

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arXiv2010

ACCESS: Enabling an Improved Flux Scale for Astrophysics

Improvements in the precision of the astrophysical flux scale are needed to answer fundamental scientific questions ranging from cosmology to stellar physics. The unexpected discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating was based upon the measurement of astrophysical standard candles that appeared fainter than expected. To characterize the underlying physical mechanism of the "Dark Energy" responsible for this phenomenon requires an improvement in the visible-NIR flux calibration of astrophysical sources to 1% precision. These improvements will also enable large surveys of white dwarf stars, e.g. GAIA, to advance stellar astrophysics by testing and providing constraints for the mass-radius relationship of these stars. ACCESS (Absolute Color Calibration Experiment for Standard Stars) is a rocket-borne payload that will enable the transfer of absolute laboratory detector standards from NIST to a network of stellar standards with a calibration accuracy of 1% and a spectral resolving power of R = 500 across the 0.35-1.7 micron bandpass. Among the strategies being employed to minimize calibration uncertainties are: (1) judicious selection of standard stars (previous calibration heritage, minimal spectral features, robust stellar atmosphere models), (2) execution of observations above the Earth's atmosphere (eliminates atmospheric contamination of the stellar spectrum), (3) a single optical path and detector (to minimize visible to NIR cross-calibration uncertainties), (4) establishment of an a priori error budget, (5) on-board monitoring of instrument performance, and (6) fitting stellar atmosphere models to the data to search for discrepancies and confirm performance.

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arXiv2009

The ^{55}Fe X-ray Energy Response of Mercury Cadmium Telluride Near-Infrared Detector Arrays

A technique involving ^{55}Fe X-rays provides a straightforward method to measure the response of a detector. The detector's response can lead directly to a calculation of the conversion gain (e^- ADU^{-1}), as well as aid detector design and performance studies. We calibrate the ^{55}Fe X-ray energy response and pair production energy of HgCdTe using 8 HST WFC3 1.7 \micron flight grade detectors. The results show that each K$α$ X-ray generates 2273 \pm 137 electrons, which corresponds to a pair-production energy of 2.61 \pm 0.16 eV. The uncertainties are dominated by our knowledge of the conversion gain. In future studies, we plan to eliminate this uncertainty by directly measuring conversion gain at very low light levels.

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arXiv2009

Photometric Calibrations for 21st Century Science

The answers to fundamental science questions in astrophysics, ranging from the history of the expansion of the universe to the sizes of nearby stars, hinge on our ability to make precise measurements of diverse astronomical objects. As our knowledge of the underlying physics of objects improves along with advances in detectors and instrumentation, the limits on our capability to extract science from measurements is set, not by our lack of understanding of the nature of these objects, but rather by the most mundane of all issues: the precision with which we can calibrate observations in physical units. We stress the need for a program to improve upon and expand the current networks of spectrophotometrically calibrated stars to provide precise calibration with an accuracy of equal to and better than 1% in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum, with excellent sky coverage and large dynamic range.

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arXiv2007

Detectors for the James Webb Space Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrograph I: Readout Mode, Noise Model, and Calibration Considerations

We describe how the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Near-Infrared Spectrograph's (NIRSpec's) detectors will be read out, and present a model of how noise scales with the number of multiple non-destructive reads sampling-up-the-ramp. We believe that this noise model, which is validated using real and simulated test data, is applicable to most astronomical near-infrared instruments. We describe some non-ideal behaviors that have been observed in engineering grade NIRSpec detectors, and demonstrate that they are unlikely to affect NIRSpec sensitivity, operations, or calibration. These include a HAWAII-2RG reset anomaly and random telegraph noise (RTN). Using real test data, we show that the reset anomaly is: (1) very nearly noiseless and (2) can be easily calibrated out. Likewise, we show that large-amplitude RTN affects only a small and fixed population of pixels. It can therefore be tracked using standard pixel operability maps.

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arXiv1999

The star formation histories of low surface brightness galaxies

We have performed deep imaging of a diverse sample of 26 low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs) in the optical and the near-infrared. Using stellar population synthesis models, we find that it is possible to place constraints on the ratio of young to old stars (which we parameterise in terms of the average age of the galaxy), as well as the metallicity of the galaxy, using optical and near-infrared colours. LSBGs have a wide range of morphologies and stellar populations, ranging from older, high metallicity earlier types to much younger and lower metallicity late type galaxies. Despite this wide range of star formation histories, we find that colour gradients are common in LSBGs. These are most naturally interpreted as gradients in mean stellar age, with the outer regions of LSBGs having younger ages than their inner regions. In an attempt to understand what drives the differences in LSBG stellar populations, we compare LSBG average ages and metallicities with their physical parameters. Strong correlations are seen between a LSBG's star formation history and its K band surface brightness, K band absolute magnitude and gas fraction. These correlations are consistent with a scenario in which the star formation history of a LSBG primarily correlates with its surface density and its metallicity correlates both with its mass and surface density.

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