Massimo Robberto

Second Generation IR Detectors for the Wide Field Camera 3

High-energy particles that induce a glow on the ZnCdTe substrate of the HgCdTe detectors of WFC3 may increase the background noise and reduce the scientific performance of the instrument. To eliminate this problem, a second generation of infrared detectors with substrate removed is under construction. Early tests indicate that the glow problem is eliminated and the quantum efficiency increases dramatically at shorter wavelengths, potentially providing a substantial improvement in the limiting sensitivity of the instrument.

SCORPIO: the Gemini facility instrument for LSST follow-up

We present the current status of the SCORPIO project, the facility instrument for Gemini South designed to perform follow up studies of transients in the LSST era while carrying out with unique efficiency a great variety of astrophysical programs. SCORPIO operates in the wavelength range 385-2350 nanometers, observing simultaneously in the grizYJHK bands. It can be used both in imaging (seeing limited) and spectroscopic (long-slit) mode, and thanks to the use of frame-transfer CCDs it can monitor variable sources with milli-second time-resolution. The project has recently passed PDR and is on schedule to be commissioned at the time of the LSST first light.

Observing modes for the new SCORPIO imager and spectrograph at Gemini South

SCORPIO (Spectrograph and Camera for Observation of Rapid Phenomena in the Infrared and Optical) is the new workhorse instrument for the Gemini South Telescope in Chile. Originally proposed in response to the Gen4#3 solicitation, SCORPIO is a unique fast-multicolor imager and ultra-wide band spectrograph capable of rapid exposures for high time-resolution images and spectra. SCORPIO consists of 8 separate channels (corresponding to the standard wavebands g, r, i, z, Y, H, J, K) that can operate with different exposure times. Each channel can be used in imaging or long-slit mode, with independent readout timing. In this report we illustrate the detectors, the control systems, and the observing modes that will be available with SCORPIO.