(poster) Implementation of black silicon CCD for astronomical observations at the Nordic Optical Telescope

Nanostructured, or so-called “black” silicon detectors can attain higher quantum efficiency and wider wavelength sensitivity range compared to traditional silicon CCD and CMOS sensors. These qualities are attractive for applications in low-light conditions such as in astronomical observations. We present the first concept of an instrument employing a black silicon CCD detector, planned to be mounted and tested at the Nordic Optical Telescope on the Canary Islands, Spain. In this paper, the preliminary design of the instrument and the plan for the implementation of the black silicon CCD chip in the instrument are described. Characterization and test plans for the instrument in both sea-level laboratory and mountaintop on-site conditions are discussed, followed by the utilization strategy of the instrument in actual astronomical observations.