Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Proceedings of SPIE

Issue

2553

Publication Date

1-1-1995

First Page

26

Last Page

37

Abstract

The Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) is a cryogenically cooled infrared telescope being prepared to study the evolution of starburst galaxies. The WIRE instrument will measure the infrared energy in two broad bands. Two 128- x 128-pixel arsenic-doped silicon focal plane arrays detect the galatic emissions. We provide a sensitivity analysis for the long wavelength band, 21 to 27 rim, including NEP for a single element. Ultimate flux sensitivity is limited by imaging resolution which includes the effects of diffraction, spacecraft jitter, and sampling of the point spread function. Observation times to obtain these confusion limited measurements are provided. Ground characterization and on-orbit calibration measurements are outlined, as is the simulation plan.

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