GONG third generation camera: Detector selection and feasibility study

TL;DR

This paper evaluates and compares CMOS and CCD sensors for replacing aging GONG cameras, conducting a feasibility study on the selected sensor's integration and performance for solar observation needs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of sensor types and a feasibility analysis for adapting a new detector to the GONG system, advancing camera technology for solar monitoring.

Findings

CMOS sensors offer advantages over CCDs in certain performance metrics.

The selected sensor was successfully adapted and tested in laboratory conditions.

Feasibility of integrating the new sensor into GONG system was confirmed.

Abstract

Aging GONG second generation cameras (Silicon Mountain Design(TM) cameras) were planned to be replaced after their long service of more than a decade. This prompted a market-wide search for a potential replacement detector to meet the GONG science requirements. This report provides some history of the search process, a comparison between CMOS and CCD type sensors and then a quantitative evaluation of potential candidates to arrive at final selection. Further, a feasibility study of the selected sensor for adaptation to GONG optical system was done and sensor characteristics were independently verified in the laboratory. This technical report gives description of these studies and tests.