After nearly 20 years and several attempts, Optec has developed a new Near-IR
photometer for medium to large size telescopes. Relatively new InGaAs PIN photodiodes
designed for the fiber optics communication market have reached very high performance
levels compared to the IR detectors of earlier times. It is now possible to
design and build an IR photometer, which allows a great many stars to be observed
accurately in the J (1250nm) and H (1650nm) photometric bands. Using custom
J-band and H-band filters the SSP-4 allows amateur astronomers with 10-inch
and larger telescopes to perform a level of scientific measurement unheard
of just a few years ago.
The InGaAs PIN photodiode is the heart of the SSP-4 and is manufactured
by Hamamatsu Corp. The series G5851-13 with a 1mm detector diameter is
mounted in the instrument. The 1mm detector is the recomended choice by
the SSP-4 users group affiliated with the AAVSO. The complete specifications
for thi detectors can be found in the manual or by clicking
here to visit the Hamamatsu web site.
This level of instrumentation requires a large telescope with excellent
tracking ability to fully appreciate the performance of the SSP-4.
The SSP-4 can be used manually with input control via the two button
interface or with the supplied control program, SSP4Dataq. The SSP4Dataq
program can operate the instrument and record the data to a PC but it has
no provisions for data reduction. This may change so check the Optec software
update area often.
The AAVSO has assisted Optec in the development of this instrument and they
have an active users group and much information concerning data reduction
and program stars. Click
here to go to the AAVSO SSP-4 web site.
