OmegaCAM: the 16k×16k CCD camera for the VLT survey telescope

In 2004, OmegaCAM will start operations on Paranal as the sole instrument on the 2.6-m VLT Survey Telescope. OmegaCAM is a huge optical CCD imaging camera: its 16k × 16k CCD pixels cover the square degree field of view of the VST almost entirely. The primary function of the VST and its instrument is to provide surveys in support of VLT science, be it in the form of large homogeneous multi-colour imaging surveys which form the basis for largescale spectroscopic follow-up work, or in its ability to find rare or extreme astronomical objects for further study.