NIRC2/NIRSPEC SCAM Comparison

This page provides a rough comparison between using NIRSPEC/SCAM behind AO and using NIRC-2 in imaging modes. Note that only imaging is covered here. Also note that we do not have sensitivity measurements for SCAM.
  1. Filter complements

    2. Note that NIRSPEC filters are mostly nonstandard bandpasses, with the exception of the K and K' filters.
     
    NIRC-2
    NIRSPEC/
    SCAM 
    Filter
    Central
    Wavelength 
    FWHM
    Filter
    Central
    Wavelength 
    FWHM
    J
    1.248
    0.163
    NIRSPEC-1
    1.035
    0.17
    H
    1.633
    0.296
    NIRSPEC-2
    1.19
    0.20
    Ks
    2.146
    0.311
    NIRSPEC-3 (J)
    1.26
    0.24
    K'
    2.124
    0.351
    NIRSPEC-4
    1.415
    0.35
    K
    2.196
    0.336
    NIRSPEC-5 (H)
    1.612
    0.375
    L
    3.776
    0.700
    NIRSPEC-6
    1.925
    0.75
    M
    4.670
    0.241
    NIRSPEC-7
    2.222
    0.805
    Br-gamma
    2.188
    0.034
    Brg
    2.165
    0.02
    Kcont
    		    
    CO
    2.290
    0.0225
    Hcont
    		    
    K
    2.20
    0.40
    Fe II
    		    
    K'
    2.12
    0.35
    NB2.108
    2.108
    		    

    Note: The AO bench external filter wheel normally available for NIRSPAO observing is NOT available for NIRC2. One consequence of this is that there are no ND filters in the NIRC2 optical path to help avoid saturation on bright objects. However, there are other means for avoiding saturation with NIRC2. One way is to use the very short exposure times that are possible by using the sub-array capability of the detector.
     

  2. Detector

    3. Note that NIRC-2 uses an InSb detector that is sensitive to 3-5 micron light, whereas the HgCdTe array used in SCAM is not.
     
    NIRC-2
    		  
    NIRSPEC/SCAM
    10, 20, or 40 
    pixel size
    (milliarcsec) 
    16.8
    10, 20, or 40
    field of view
    (arcsec) 
    4.3
    38
    readout noise
    (electrons per pixel per read)
    10
    ~52,000
    linear limit
    120,000 electrons