The Lockheed diode array magnetograph

Abstract

A new magnetograph using a solid state monolithic linear silicon diode array has been constructed at Lockheed Solar Observatory. This magnetograph uses a digital image processor, and makes data available both in digital and analog form. The diode array detector is capable of a signal-to-noise ratio of 2000:1 or better when cooled to a temperature of -40 deg centigrade. Thus, intensity differences of the order of one part in a thousand may easily be detected without signal averaging. This instrument may be considered a prototype for an instrument using a two-dimensional array. The magnetograph is now fully operational, and is being used to produce data for statistical studies of solar magnetic field diffusion.