INAF - Astronomical Observatory of Padova

INAF - Astronomical Observatory of Padova is one of the main structures of the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF). The main activity of the Observatory is to perform scientific research in various  fields of Astrophysics. The Observatory also contributes to  advanced education, assists in the dissemination of knowledge and implements project of education and outreach of Astronomy.

Specola e Dipartimento di Fisica ed Astronomia.jpg
Specola e Dipartimento di Fisica ed Astronomia

In evidenza

 Spectral and Photometric Calibration Sources for Infrared Instrumentation

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Figure 1:Cryo-cooled optical bench (20 °K) used for the RTD-blackbody illuminance test.

 OAPd is experimenting calibration units to be used in near and medium infrared instrumentation. The system belongs to the 'black body' and 'integrating-sphere' category and has been developed during the phase-A study as part of the space based imager-spectrograph instrument MIRI (Medium Infrared Instrument) to be inserted on the NASA-ESA mission JWST (James Webb Space Telescope). A voltage driven resistance temperature device (RTD) is used as active thermal light source with spectral energy distribution determined by the working temperature and material characteristics, while the integrating sphere is used in order to create a Lambertian beam of calibration light. The system would provide light both for flat-fielding calibration and, in a further development, for wavelength calibration making use of interferential plates and of the same illumination optics.

People: F. Bortoletto, C. Bonoli, A. Frigo, E. Giro, D. Magrin, L. Traverso

Collaboration:

Publications: Bortoletto et al (2006), SPIE Proc., 5897,148

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