# The CCD Controller and Detector

**Authors:** G. Bonano, C. Bonoli, F. Bortoletto, P. Bruno, M. Comari, R. Cosentino, M. D'Alessandro, D. Fantinel, E. Giro, S. Scuderi  
**arXiv:** [2302.11226](https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.11226)  
**Date:** 2023-02-22  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2302.11226v1/

## Key points

- The Italian National Telescope "Galileo" (TNG) uses charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as detectors for all its scientific instruments, tracking systems, and Shack-Hartmann wavefront systems.
- To optimize the performance of these instruments, CCDs that can be driven by controllers with very low readout noise levels are essential.
- Characterizing detectors is fundamental when they are used in scientific instrumentation.
- Various CCDs have been assembled in cryostats and tested at a laboratory to select the most suitable detector for TNG's optical instruments.
- The commissioning at the telescope has also been carried out and work is still ongoing.
- Authors of this paper include G. Bonano, C. Bonoli, F. Bortoletto, P. Bruno, M. Comari, R. Cosentino, M. D'Alessandro, D. Fantinel, E. Giro and S.Scuderi who provide an overview of the importance of CCD procurement and characterization for scientific instrumentation purposes.
- Careful selection and testing can lead to optimal performance from these detectors when used in conjunction with appropriate controllers designed to minimize readout noise levels during data acquisition processes at TNG's observatory facilities.

## Summary

The Italian National Telescope "Galileo" (TNG) relies on charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as detectors for all its scientific instruments, tracking systems, and Shack-Hartmann wavefront systems. To optimize the performance of these instruments, it is essential to acquire CCDs that can be driven by controllers with very low readout noise levels. Therefore, the design and realization of such controllers are equally important. Characterizing detectors is fundamental when they are used in scientific instrumentation. To select the most suitable detector for TNG's optical instruments, various CCDs have been assembled in cryostats and tested at a laboratory. The relevant phases of this group activity are described in detail in this paper. The commissioning at the telescope has also been carried out and work is still ongoing. The authors of this paper include G. Bonano, C. Bonoli, F. Bortoletto, P. Bruno, M. Comari, R. Cosentino, M. D'Alessandro, D. Fantinel, E. Giro and S.Scuderi who provide an overview of the importance of CCD procurement and characterization for scientific instrumentation purposes. This paper highlights how careful selection and testing can lead to optimal performance from these detectors when used in conjunction with appropriate controllers designed to minimize readout noise levels during data acquisition processes at TNG's observatory facilities.