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A Peltier-cooled CCD Camera

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2016

B. D. Carter
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW 2033
M. C. B. Ashley
Affiliation:
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Kensington NSW 2033

Abstract

We describe the application of Peltier effect cooling to charge coupled device (CCD) detectors. We are developing this technique to produce a CCD camera which requires low maintenance, yet has sufficiently small dark-current for long exposure imaging. This camera will be used in an automated imaging telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. The design principles used to maximise cooling of the detector, and hence minimise dark-current, are discussed. A small dark-current can be obtained only if great care is taken to reduce or eliminate convective, conductive and radiative heating of the chip. In addition, a path of high thermal conductivity must be provided for the heat removed from the CCD. A recent laboratory test of our cooling system demonstrates that careful design can lead to sufficiently low CCD dark-current for many astronomical applications.

Type
Instruments & Facilities
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 1991

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