Abstract
ABSTRACT The Wide-Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) is a small ciyogenic spaceborne infrared telescope being readied for launch inSeptember 1998 as the fifth of NASA's Small Explorers. WIRE utilizes two 128 x 128 Si:As Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs)produced by Boeing North American with a 30 cm diameter Ritchey Cretien diamond turned mirror system. This missiontakes advantage of recent advances in infrared array detector technology to provide a large sensitivity gain over previouslyflown missions. Two broad pass bands are defined for a deep pointed survey to search for protogalaxies and to study theevolution of starburst galaxies. The Space Dynamics Laboratoiy at Utah State University (SDLIUSU) used the multifunction infrared calibrator and other special purpose cryogenic equipment to perform a ground characterization ofthe WIRE instrument. The focus was verified cold with two independent measurements. Both in-band and out-of-bandRelative Spectral Response measurements were made; some sensitivity to temperature, bias voltage, and location on thelong wavelength focal plane array were found. Dark current and dark noise measurements are also reported.Keywords: infrared astronomy, small explorer missions, cryogenic space telescopes, infrared calibration, dark current,dark noise
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