Mid-infrared imager for the 2m Himalayan Chandra Telescope: feasibility, conceptual design and roadmap for implementation

Abstract

Ground based observations in the Mid-infrared wavelength range has the advantages of greater penetrating power through interstellar gas and dust, ability to observe cooler objects, and less effect of atmospheric turbulence. At the same time challenges such as high background due to thermal radiation, selective atmospheric windows and limited choice of detectors pose significant challenges which have to be overcome in order to observe in this wavelength range. In this work we will first evaluate the feasibility of such observation from Hanle and then propose a simple design of a Mid-infrared instrument for the HCT, including basic optical design and choice of detector.