IMPROVED LOW-FREQUENCY STABILITY OF BOLOMETRIC DETECTORS

We have developed an AC bridge readout system that greatly improves the low-frequency stability of bolometric detectors. The readout can be implemented with a simple circuit appropriate for use in space applications. Using a matched pair of detectors in the readout, we have achieved system noise within a factor of two of the fundamental noise limit of the detectors at frequencies as low as 10 mHz. The low frequency stability of the readout system allows slower, more sensitive detectors to be used in many applications, and facilitates observing strategies that are well-suited to space-borne observations. Copyright © 1990 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.