NICMOS Instrument Handbook for Cycle 11

Chapter 1: 
Introduction and
General Considerations

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In this chapter . . .

Purpose Layout NICMOS Proposal Preparation The Help Desk at STScI The NICMOS Instrument Team at STScI Supporting Information and the NICMOS Web Site NICMOS History in Brief Changes Relative to Cycles 7 and 7N Recommendations for Proposers Supported and Unsupported NICMOS Capabilities

 

The Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer, NICMOS, provides HST with infrared imaging and spectroscopic capabilities between 0.8 and 2.5 microns. From above the earth's atmosphere, NICMOS provides access to this complete spectral range without hindrance from atmospheric emission or absorption at a sensitivity and angular resolution not possible from the ground. NICMOS, which operated from February 1997 till November 1998 using an onboard exhaustible cryogen, is expected to be revived with the installation of the NICMOS Cooling System (NCS) during the Servicing Mission SM3B, currently scheduled for November 2001. The NCS will provide active cooling through a series of closed circuit loops containing cryogenic gas. NICMOS is therefore offered to the community for Cycle 11 and beyond.

This Handbook provides the instrument specific information needed to propose HST observations (Phase I), design accepted proposals (Phase II, in conjunction with the Phase II Proposal Instructions), and understand NICMOS in detail. The Handbook has been revised from its original versions to include expected performance with the NCS.

This chapter explains the layout of the Handbook and how to get additional help and information through the Help Desk and STScI World Wide Web pages. It also lists the supported capabilities of NICMOS and includes basic recommendations on how to use the Instrument.