Infrared L'band (lambda-cen- ~3.9 mu-m) observations with TIFR near-infrared camera (TIRCAM).

Abstract

TIRCAM is based on the SBRC InSb Focal Plane Array (58 x 62 pixels) sensitive between 1- 5 μm. TIRCAM system is described in Ojha et al. (2002). TIRCAM had its first light observations during March-April 2001 from Gurusikhar 1.2m PRL telescope at Mt. Abu. After having the successful first run in 2001, the TIRCAM was used for the L band observations of a few scientific targets in combination with fresh telescope mirrors in Nov. 2002 &Jan. 2003 (the aluminising operation of the primary &secondary mirrors of 1.2m telescope was carried out in mid 2002). Several at 3.9 μm. We could detect the stars upto ~ 7 mag in L band from the Gurusikhar site. The TIRCAM L mag of detected stars in Trapezium cluster were compared with the L band (3.5 μm) data of Muench et al. (2002). These measurements are in good agreement with each other considering the two different center wavelengths. We plan to explore TIRCAM's performance in the broad L (3.5 μm) &M (4.5 μm) bands from Hanle site in near future.