Electronic Imaging in Astronomy

Detectors and Instrumentation. Second Edition

Ian S. McLean

Modern astronomy relies heavily on technological advances to detect and interpret the faint signals from distant parts of the Universe and is therefore as exciting and challenging for the professional engineer and applied physicist as it is for the astronomer.


This book describes the remarkable developments that have taken place in astronomical detectors and instrumentation in recent years, from the invention of the charge-coupled device (CCD) in 1970 to the current era of very large telescopes. It includes all the key methods used to obtain astronomical images across the entire spectrum, and uses the story of the charge-coupled device to link many of them together. The book’s unique approach blends scientific motivation, a focus on specific instrumentation, and a thorough description of electronic imaging technology across a range of wavelengths.


Electronic Imaging in Astronomy

• collects all the fundamental astronomical observing techniques and methods into a single reference work
• is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in this significant area of modern observational astronomy
• illustrates a wide range of principles and techniques using detailed case studies
• provides invaluable guidance for anyone interested in the design, development and characterisation of astronomical instrumentation
• presents the underlying principles behind the cameras, spectrometers and telescopes used to make important astronomical discoveries

Table of Contents

1. The development of electronic imaging in astronomy
2. Beating the atmosphere
3. Telescopes
4. The discovery power of modern astronomicalinstruments
5. Instrumentation and detectors
6. Designing and building astronomicalinstruments
7. Charge-coupled devices
8. Practical operation of CCDs
9. Characterization and calibration of array instruments
10. Image processing and analysis
11. Electronic imaging at infrared wavelengths
12. Electronic imaging at ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths
13. Electronic imaging at sub-millimeter and radio’wavelengths
14. Future developments

Extent: 592 pages, 16 page colour section
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-3-540-76582-0

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