Optical/UV Astrophysics Applications of Cryogenic Detectors

Abstract

Since the laboratory demonstrations of optical photon detection with STJs in 1993 [1], and with TESs in 1998 [2], there has been steady progress on the utilization of energy-resolving cryogenic detectors for astrophysical observations in the near-IR through UV. These detectors provide the unique and powerful possibility of simultaneously time-stamping, energy-resolving, and imaging each photon. Prime applications include studies of compact rapid time variable sources, and studies of faint sources where maximum utilization must be made of each photon to extract information on redshift and source characteristics. To date observations of the Crab pulsar have been made with TES and with STJ detectors, as well as a number of other sources including accretion-powered systems with white dwarf, black hole and neutron star primaries. The greatest scientific potential for these instruments will be seen when they are placed above most or all of the atmosphere. A series of applications are on the horizon, beginning with large ground-based telescopes, high altitude (SOFIA - Stratospheric Observatory for IR Astronomy, balloon) observations, and finally explorer class satellites. In this paper we summarize the scientific case for these instruments, the status of the technology, and recent observations.