Si:As IBC array performance for SIRTF/IRAC

The goal of achieving background-limited performance in SIRTF's cryogenic telescope environment places stringent demands on focal plane sensitivity. SIRTF's prime imaging instrument, the InfraRed Array Camera (IRAC), employs 256 X 256 Si:As Impurity-Band Conduction (IBC) arrays for its two longest wavelength channels at 5.8 micrometers and 8.0 micrometers . Background-limited performance is achieved at very low levels of zodiacal background radiation with cryo-optimized readout and detector technology from Raytheon. Presented here are performance measurements of IRAC flight candidate IBC arrays. Operating at a temperature of 6 K, these devices meet all IRAC sensitivity requirements, with dark currents well below the 10 e-/s specification, Fowler-sampled noise levels of 16 e-, and excellent photometric stability.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.