Handbook of CCD Astronomy

Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) are the state-of-the-art detector in many fields of observational science. Updated to include all of the latest developments in CCDs, this second edition of the Handbook of CCD Astronomy is a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. Starting with their electronic workings, it discusses their basic characteristics and then gives methods and examples of how to determine these values. While the book focuses on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy, advanced amateur astronomers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, medical imaging, and remote sensing will also find it very valuable. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, key practical equations, and new exercises round off the book and ensure that it provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, and a handy reference for more experienced users.

• Contains up to date information on the latest developments in charge-coupled devices • Includes end of section exercises, with solutions available via www.cambridge.org/9780521617628 • Contains useful tables containing previously hard to find information
Contents

Prefaces; 1. Introduction; 2. CCD manufacturing and operation; 3. Characterization of CCDs; 4. CCD imaging; 5. Photometry and astronomy; 6. Spectroscopy with CCDs; 7. CCDs used in space and at short wavelengths; Appendices; References; Index.
Reviews

‘[Howell’s] broad experience in CCD astronomy is evident throughout the book. Overall the book is well written and nicely printed … I highly recommend it for anyone interested in CCD astronomy.’ Ken Herkenhoff, EOS

‘As an introduction to CCD imaging in astronomy, this handbook will serve well both the serious amateur and the fresh professional. For a wide range of objects, in optical to high-energy astronomy, the author shows admirably where the techniques suffer, how they can be corrected and what can be achieved. We recommend this handbook to all interested in CCDs, photometry and spectroscopy.’ Irish Astronomical Journal

‘… provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, as well as a handy reference for more experienced researchers.’ Europe & Astronomy

‘This handbook provides a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, and key practical equations round the book off and ensure that it provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, as well as a handy reference for more experienced researchers.’ Orion (Société Astronomique de Suisse)

‘It is an excellent book and can be recommended to all who value a clearly written explanation of CCD technology, and one that can also be regarded as relevant to applications other than astronomy.’ Imaging Science Journal

'… much of the text will be invaluable to amateurs … This is a slim paperback volume … but has a high quantum efficiency of content and should be on the bookshelf of every amateur who claims to take the application of CCDs seriously.' Webb Society Quarterly Journal

'The 2nd edition…provides a compact and very readable account of all the practical aspects of CCD cameras. …aimed both at the 'fresh' professional astronomer and at the seasoned amateur who would like to venture more deeply into this technology. …The tables and diagrams are plentiful, clear and useful. …hard facts are clearly explained and well presented for the serious astronomer.' Astronomy and Space