WFPC2 Instrument Handbook

Version 4.0, June 1996

J. Biretta, editor

Using This Handbook...

Getting Help...

For prompt answers to questions, please contact the Science Support Division Help Desk.

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Contents

CHAPTER 1: - Introduction
1.1 - Instrument Overview
1.2 - Which Instrument to Use: WFPC2, FOC, NICMOS, or STIS?
1.3 - History of WFPC2
1.4 - The Previous vs. Current Generation: WF/PC-1 vs. WFPC2
1.5 - Organization of this Handbook
1.6 - What's New in Version 4.0
1.7 - WFPC2 Handbook on the WWW
1.8 - The Help Desk at STScI
1.9 - Further Information
CHAPTER 2: - Instrument Description
2.1 - Science Objectives
2.2 - WFPC2 Configuration, Field-of-View, and Resolution
2.3 - Overall Instrument Description
2.4 - Quantum Efficiency
2.5 - Shutter
2.6 - Serial Clocks
2.7 - Overhead Times
2.8 - CCD Orientation and Readout
2.9 - Calibration Channel
CHAPTER 3: - Optical Filters
3.1 - Introduction
3.2 - Choice of Broad Band Filters
3.3 - Linear Ramp Filters
3.4 - Redshifted [OII] Quad Filters
3.5 - Polarizer Quad Filter
3.6 - Methane Quad Filter
3.7 - Wood's Filters
3.8 - Red Leaks in UV Filters
3.9 - Apertures
CHAPTER 4: - CCD Performance
4.1 - Introduction
4.2 - Quantum Efficiency
4.3 - Dynamic Range
4.4 - Bright Object Artifacts
4.5 - Residual Image
4.6 - Quantum Efficiency Hysteresis
4.7 - Flat Field Response
4.8 - Dark Backgrounds
4.9 - Cosmic Rays
4.10 - Radiation Damage and Hot Pixels
4.11 - Charge Transfer Efficiency
4.12 - Read Noise and Gain Settings
CHAPTER 5: - Point Spread Function
5.1 - Effects of OTA Spherical Aberration
5.2 - Aberration Correction
5.3 - Wavefront Quality
5.4 - CCD Pixel Response Function
5.5 - Model PSFs
5.6 - PSF Variations with Field Position
5.7 - PSF Variations with Time
5.8 - Large Angle Scattering
5.9 - Ghost Images
5.10 - Optical Distortion
CHAPTER 6: - System Throughput and SNR / Exposure Time Estimation
6.1 - System Throughput
6.2 - On-Line Exposure Time Calculator
6.3 - Target Count Rates
6.4 - Sky Background
6.5 - Signal-to-Noise Ratio Estimation
6.6 - Exposure Time Estimation
6.7 - Sample SNR Calculations
6.8 - Red Leaks in UV Filters
6.9 - Time Dependence of UV Response
CHAPTER 7: - Observation Strategies
7.1 - Observing Faint Targets
7.2 - Observing Bright Targets
7.3 - Observing Faint Targets Near Bright Objects
7.4 - Cosmic Rays
7.5 - Choosing Exposure Times
7.6 - Dither Strategies
7.7 - Pointing Accuracy
7.8 - CCD Position and Orientation on Sky
7.9 - Polarization Observations
7.10 - Observing with Linear Ramp Filters
7.11 - Emission Line Observations of Galaxy Nuclei
CHAPTER 8: - Calibration and Data Reduction
8.1 - Calibration Observations and Reference Data
8.2 - Flat Fields
8.3 - Dark Frames
8.4 - Bias Frames
8.5 - Data Reduction and Data Products
8.6 - Pipeline Processing
8.7 - Fluxes and Standard Magnitudes
8.8 - Color Transformations of Primary Photometric Filters
8.9 - Cycle 5 Calibration Plan
8.10 - Cycle 6 Calibration Plan
CHAPTER 9: - References
9.1 - References
9.2 - Instrument Science Reports
APPENDIX A: - Passband Plots
A.1 - Passbands for each Filter in Isolation
A.2 - Passbands including the System Response
A.3 - Normalized Passbands including the System Response
APPENDIX B: - Point Source SNR Plots
B.1 - Plots for Estimating Point Source SNR
APPENDIX C: - Acronyms
Index