AMICA: The First camera for Near- and Mid-Infrared Astronomical Imaging at Dome C

¹ INAF – OACTe, via Maggini snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy
² INAF – OATo, via Osservatorio 20, 10025 Pino Torinese, Torino, Italy
³ INAF – OAPd, Vicolo dell'Osservatorio 5, 35122 Padova, Italy
⁴ INAF – OAMi, Sede di Merate, via E. Bianchi 46, 23807 Merate, Lecco, Italy
⁵ Universitá degli Studi di Perugia, Piazza dell'Universitá 1, 06100 Perugia, Italy
⁶ Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain

Abstract

AMICA (Antarctic Multiband Infrared CAmera) is an instrument designed to perform astronomical imaging in the near- (1-5 μm) and mid- (5–27 μm) infrared wavelength regions. Equipped with two detectors, an InSb 256² and a Si:As 128² IBC, cooled at 35 and 7 K respectively, it will be the first instrument to investigate the potential of the Italian-French base Concordia for IR astronomy. The main technical challenge is represented by the extreme conditions of Dome C (T ~ -90 °C, p ~ 640 mbar). An environmental control system ensures the correct start-up, shut-down and housekeeping of the various components of the camera. AMICA will be mounted on the IRAIT telescope and will perform survey-mode observations in the Southern sky. The first task is to provide important site-quality data. Substantial contributions to the solution of fundamental astrophysical quests, such as those related to late phases of stellar evolution and to star formation processes, are also expected.