TNTCAM MARK II: a new mid-IR array imager/polarimeter

Dimitri I. Klebe; Robert E. Stencel; David S. Theil

doi:10.1117/12.317252

21 August 1998 TNTCAM MARK II: a new mid-IR array imager/polarimeter

Dimitri I. Klebe, Robert E. Stencel, David S. Theil

Proceedings Volume 3354, Infrared Astronomical Instrumentation; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317252
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

We present design considerations for a mid-IR imaging polarimeter, TNTCAM II. Using a 256 by 256 Si:As BIB array, the camera will be unparalleled as an polarimeter/imager by any instrument currently in use at these wavelengths. Thanks to NSF support, access by the general astronomical community will be arranged. In polarimetry mode, TNTCAM II will be sensitive to linear polarizations as small as 0.2 percent. Polarized emission from cosmic sources will be modulated at a frequency high enough to remove atmospheric and system noise fluctuations. Dewar design and the optical system are discussed, including CCD assisted digital shift and ad tip- tilt correction and use of a rotating entrance window assembly allowing on-the-fly f-ratio adjustment and optimal throughput across the entire 5-25 micrometers band. The camera can contribute to the understanding of YSOs and evolved stars, obtaining high resolution mid-IR observations of dusty environments immediately surrounding these objects. In imaging mode mosaics of extended objects can be made in 2' by 2' sub-fields. In polarimetry mode, B-fields in YSOs can be probed by dust emission from hot cores, incidentally constraining grain alignment scenarios in young stellar environments.

Citation Download Citation

Dimitri I. Klebe, Robert E. Stencel, and David S. Theil "TNTCAM MARK II: a new mid-IR array imager/polarimeter", Proc. SPIE 3354, Infrared Astronomical Instrumentation, (21 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317252

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available