An SSPM-Based High-Speed Near-Infrared Photometer for Astronomy

We describe the design, operation, and performance of a new high-speedinfrared photometer using the Solid-State Photomultiplier (SSPM) detector. TheSSPM was developed by Rockwell International Science Center and hassingle-photon counting capability over the 0.4-28 micron wavelength range,intrinsic time response of order 1 ns, and low detector noise (Petroff, 1987).We have operated a 200x200-micron back-illuminated SSPM in a liquid-heliumcooled dewar with a room-temperature transimpedance amplifier output. Singlephoton pulses can be easily distinguished above the amplifier noise. Theindividual photon pulses are binned at a selectable time resolution rangingfrom $5 \mu$s to 64 ms, and then written to Exabyte tape. In the firstastronomical application of such a device, we have made observations of theCrab Nebula pulsar and Her X-1 at near-infrared wavelengths (J-, H-, andK-bands), and we present the instrument sensitivities established by theseobservations. We discuss other astronomical observations which are eitherplanned or currently underway. Finally, we present design specifications andpredicted performances for a second-generation SSPM high-speed infraredphotometer.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figure