How Skipper CCDs Are Shattering Limits in Cosmic Observation

Researchers have recently utilized skipper charge-coupled devices on the 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope to capture the first astronomical spectrum using this technology.

The results were presented on June 16 at the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation meeting in Japan by Edgar Marrufo Villalpando, a physics PhD candidate at the“This is a major milestone for skipper-CCD technology,” said Alex Drlica-Wagner, a cosmologist at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory who led the project.

On March 31 and April 9, the researchers used skipper CCDs in the SOAR Integral Field Spectrograph to collect astronomical spectra from a galaxy cluster, two distant quasars, a galaxy with bright emission lines, and a star that is potentially associated with a dark-matter-dominated ultra-faint galaxy.

“Many decades have passed since the skipper was born, so I was surprised to see the technology come to life again,” said Jim Janesick, inventor of the skipper CCD and a distinguished engineer at SRI International, a research institute based in California. “The noise results are amazing! I fell off my seat when I saw the very clean sub-electron noise data.”With the first successful demonstration of skipper-CCD technology for astrophysics, scientists are already working to improve it.

Source: Tech Daily Report (techdailyreport.net)

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Revived technology used to count individual photons from distant galaxiesUsing an instrument on the 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope, researchers have obtained the first astronomical spectrum using skipper charge-coupled devices (CCDs).
Source: physorg_com - 🏆 388. / 55 Read more »

Seattle Mariners' Skipper Jokingly Says He's No Longer a Fan of Ex-Player's StyleHeading into Monday night's game with the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners' manager Scott Servais says he's not as big a fan of Jose Caballero anymore. He was traded from Seattle to Tampa Bay last offseason.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »

San Francisco Giants Skipper is 'Uncomfortable' with Current Pitching SetupInjuries to the San Francisco Giants' starting pitching unit has plagued this team throughout the season and their manager is not feeling great about everything right now.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »

Chicago Cubs Skipper Doesn't Hold Back About Closer After Latest Blown SaveAfter the latest blown game by the Chicago Cubs, Craig Counsell spoke out about his closer.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »

Baltimore Orioles Skipper Says They 'Got Lucky' on Tuesday NightThe Baltimore Orioles are certainly breathing a sigh of relief after they could have been dealt a heavy blow on Tuesday.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »

Houston Astros Skipper Makes Interesting Comments About Slumping SluggerIt sounds like the Houston Astros manager is going to continue believing in their veteran slugger no matter how bad things get.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »