GMOS-N CCD Upgrade - Commissioning Underway!

Photo of the new GMOS-N detector array showing the three-detector array, which consists of two different types of detectors. The two outer detectors (left and right) have an improved red and blue response compared to the middle detector.

The Gemini-North Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS-N) is currently being upgraded with a new detector array, consisting of three CCDs manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics. During February, the commissioning team successfully installed and aligned the new detector array in the Gemini North lab. Following the CCD installation GMOS-N was mounted back on the telescope in early March and the new detector array has now seen first light during on-sky nighttime commissioning observations. The new Hamamatsu CCDs are expected to show improved red sensitivity compared to the previous GMOS-N e2v deep depletion detectors and are similar to the detectors previously installed in GMOS-S. Further information and updates are available in the Gemini North night log summary pages and once GMOS-N is available watch for updates in this monthly e-newscast and on the instrument availability webpage.