This paper details the design process for AIR-C, the Antarctic Infra-Red Camera, for use with Tohoku University's 40 cm Antarctic telescope. The camera will also be compatible with the planned 2 meter class Japanese telescope at Dome F. First, we review of the design requirements which shaped the development process. The optical chain receives the most detailed discussion. The other components will be discussed briefly. The effect of cryogenic temperatures on the lenses was taken into account during the design process. AIR-C's performance is predicted. Finally, we discuss the scientific potential for a small Antarctic telescope.

Date Published: 9 July 2008
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II, 70142O (9 July 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.786509

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7014:
Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II
Ian S. McLean; Mark M. Casali, Editor(s)