Simple and Low Cost Multichannel Spectral Measurement System for Weak Light

Abstract
We have developed a simple and low cost multichannel spectral measurement system using an inexpensive MOS image sensor that can be used for spectral measurements of stationary weak light without an image intensifier. To perform weak light measurements, the sensor is cooled to -60°C and a long integration time (up to 20 min) can be achieved. The detectable power of our system has been evaluated at about 10-13 W/cm2 at a wavelength of 6328 Å. Some comparisons with commercially available detection systems are given and several spectra obtained by our system are presented to show its performance.
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