Fast method of crosstalk characterization for HxRG detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a rapid, practical method for measuring the crosstalk matrix in HxRG detectors using standard calibration procedures, enabling improved calibration and data correction.

Contribution

A novel, fast crosstalk characterization technique for HxRG detectors that requires only simple calibration steps and can be applied in typical instrument setups.

Findings

Crosstalk matrices obtained for both fast and slow modes.

Method enables tuning of detector parameters and electronics design.

Data can be used to effectively remove crosstalk from scientific data.

Abstract

HxRG detectors have crosstalk between amplifier channels at a scientifically relevant level. In principle, crosstalk signals can be fully calibrated and removed from data, but only if a full crosstalk matrix is measured for the detector. We present a fast method of crosstalk characterization that can be performed with most instrument calibration units; it requires only a flat-field illumination and window programming in the HxRG detectors. We show the crosstalk matrices obtained with this method for both fast and slow mode in an H2RG detector, and give examples of how this data can be used to tune detector operation parameters, feed back into the electronics design for the cryogenic pre-amplifiers, and be used in the data pipeline to remove crosstalk signal from scientific data.