Gemini 8-M Telescopes Project, Aura, 950 N. Cherry Ave, PO Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85719

58 -- FOCAL PLANE ARRAY FOR NEAR INFRARED INTEGRAL FIELD SPECTROMETER SOL N200479 POC Andrew Flach, Gemini Contracts Manager, 520-318-8537 WEB: General information about the Gemini Observatory, http://www.gemini.edu. E-MAIL: Email Gemini Contracts Manager, aflach@gemini.edu. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), acting as operator of the Gemini Observatory, intends to procure a Focal Plane Array (FPA) from Rockwell Science Center to be used in the Gemini Near Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer. AURA believes that the FPAs offered by Rockwell are unique among those available today because they provide exceptionally low read noise and high quantum efficiency from 1-2.5 um. These performance factors are crucial for Gemini's IR spectrometers, which will typically work in low SNR applications which demand extremely sensitive detectors. In order to satisfy AURA's requirements, an FPA must exhibit specific critical performance and functional requirements which include: (1) Response over the spectral range from 1-2.5 um with quantum efficiency >50%; (2) Integration capacity of at least 60,000 electrons per pixel; (3) Dynamic range of 10,000:1; (4) Pixel size of approximately 18 um x 18 um; (5) Square FPA geometry with 2048 x 2048 pixels; (6) Operating temperature of 70-80 K; (7) Ability to operate in a non-destructive readout mode; and (8) Electronic control and data interface compatible with the SDSU-2 FPA controller. Any firm that has a demonstrated ability to produce FPAs meeting AURA's requirements should submit a letter of interest, which should include details of experience in the design and manufacture of such detectors, by April 17, 2000. Letters of interest should be faxed to Andrew Flach, Gemini Contracts Manager, at 520-318-8590, and should reference Announcement No. N200479. Posted 04/07/00 (W-SN442535). (0098)

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