Astronomical imaging applications for CCDs

Abstract

Preliminary testing of a back illuminated, buried channel CCD camera for astronomical telescopic imaging applications was demonstrated. Images of several planets and both galactic and extragalactic ojects were obtained using a 400 x 400 element TI CCD in a JPL developed camera on a 154 cm telescope on Mt. Lemmon. The high quantum efficiency and relatively low noise of this CCD, along with the inherently high photometric and geometric stability, opens up new opportunities for astronomical research, especially in the spectral range from 0.8 to 1.0 micrometers. For example, images of Uranus obtained in the 0.89 micrometers absorption band of methane clearly reveal for the first time markings on the disk of this remote planet. Applications for both ground based and near earth orbiting telescopes are discussed.