Abstract
The use of CCD detectors as elements of an active acquisition system is reviewed. In such systems, the CCD image acquisition, data-analysis and the instrument and telescope controls are no longer separated elements whose actions are coordinated by an astronomer and/or operator, but are parts of a global system. The interaction between incoming data (nature of the object, registered flux, current PSF and atmospheric transmission), observer's requirement (S/N, spatial and temporal resolution) and forthcoming CCD exposure characteristics (CCD preparation, exposure time, read-out parameters) is examined. The requirements for the CCD electronics, data acquisition system are evaluated and examples of recent application in imaging, spectroscopy, photometry and auxiliary equipment are given. An attempt is made to analyze future technological trends and possible bottlenecks in such systems and to propose simple rules to adopt when designing CCD hardware and software.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
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