Prospects for far infrared arrays

Abstract

We report initial performance measurements of a 1/8 scale version of a 32 x 32 pixel array under development for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). This array demonstrates that we can reach the sensitivity limits set by the natural backgrounds in space while providing good imaging and photometric performance. Based on the achieved performance levels, we project the imaging capabilities of SIRTF in the far infrared to exceed by a factor of more than 10,000 those achieved by any preceding telescope.