Filters Filters are needed to define the spectral response of the instrument. To the right is a set of far infrared filters made for us by Peter Ade, now at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. They are a unique design allowing large apertures and a very rugged construction. |
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Stimulators We use "stimulators" to put controlled amounts of far infrared light on our arrays - they are a key element in calibrating the detectors. Here is an example. The small square element in the center is what glows; it is one millimeter square. The glower is suspended by four nylon threads inside a metal ring, and a small electric current is introduced through two thin wires. The stimulators were made for us by Jeff Beeman. |
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