ADM Camera · UK public procurement notice

The delivery requirements of both the upgraded and new cameras are

The University intends to purchase two fast ultra-low noise cameras based on the e-APD SAPHIRA which offers 320x256 pixels and enables noise-free multiplication gain and non-destructive readout abilities at wavelengths between 1 and 2.5 micrometer technology for use in astronomical observations.

Specification:-

1. The cameras must use the Leonardo SAPHIRA sensor (Mark 20 or newer; with ME1001 ROIC) based on the electron-avalanche photodiode technique with pixel formats of 256x320 pixel and electronics with 16 bit quantization
2. The cameras must have a quantum efficiency > 60% in the near-infrared wavelength regime between 1.0 and 1.75 micrometer. A set of filters (HKHK band filters or customer-agreed alternatives) shall provide efficient long-wavelength suppression.
3. The cameras must support full-frame read-out rates up to 3500 Hz, with the possibility to read at least 3 sub-windows at higher frame rate
4. The cameras must use pulse tube cooling to reach an operational temperature <=90 K.
5. The electronics as well as the software must support multiple readout modes, including single read, CDS, multiple non-destructive reads, and Fowler sampling ("IOTA" mode).
6. The cameras shall feature a readout noise <1 e-/pix, measured at gain=50 at the highest frame rate and when looking at a cold stop (blackbody at temperature 90K).
7. The cameras need to be connected to an ion pump and a vacuum pump to maintain vacuum. Such a systems has been developed for the existing camera and must be compatible with any new purchase.
8. The baffle (nose) of the cameras needs to be designed to minimise thermal background, to avoid vignetting with our optics, so they can be connected to a cryostat. We have already developed and designed a baffle and any new solution would need to be compatible with the existing camera.
9. The new cameras will use the same software development kit (SDK) as our existing camera

The university also intends to intend to upgrade the existing CR1-2016-002 camera.

The scope includes the following:-

1. Changing of Saphira e-APD detector with the ME1001 ROIC having lower dark, new version of the camera with low dark optimization.
2. Upgrade of the electronics power board to remove the BIAS oscillation
3. New version of the camera with low dark optimization.·
4. Reduction of the camera focal plane vibrations below 1 μm RMS ·
5. Tests and characterisation