At the A.V. Rzhanov Institute of Semiconductor Physics SB RAS (ISP SB RAS) in Novosibirsk, cesium-iodide-based photocathodes have been developed, which will become key elements for the new Spektr-UV space telescope. This was reported by the press service of the university.
During the efficiency check, the photocathodes showed a quantum yield of 40%, which is twice as high as the basic design parameters, and is a record value for this type of photocathodes.
The launch of this device is scheduled for 2031. It is designed to capture vacuum ultraviolet radiation, one of the components of cosmic radiation. This will allow the telescope to obtain previously inaccessible data about the Universe.
The development of photocathodes is important not only for the implementation of the national space project "Spektr-UV", but also for world science as a whole. It is expected that this telescope will become the successor to the famous Hubble, which has been in operation for 35 years. At least until 2041, "Spektr-UV" will be the only space telescope collecting data in the ultraviolet range.
The calibration of photocathodes was successfully carried out at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. Photocathodes are capable of emitting electrons when light hits them, which allows measuring electric current and assessing the intensity of radiation. By combining photocathodes with an electron multiplier and a phosphor screen in a vacuum housing, it is possible not only to measure current, but also to record images in the corresponding wavelength range.
The Spektr-UV orbital observatory will operate in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum, which is inaccessible for observation from Earth. Russia, Germany and Spain are participating in the project. It will be the only major instrument for ultraviolet research after the completion of the Hubble telescope.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the production of Arktika-M satellites will be expanded.
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