Abstract

Photon noise in photometric instruments is computed using two different methods. A first expression, derived from quantum physics, corresponds to the most widely used formulas and is applicable when diffraction phenomena are negligible. The second one is derived from the semiclassical approach of Hanbury Brown and Twiss. Properties of this expression, including consistency with the former one, asymptotical behavior, and scale properties are derived and discussed. The effect of polarization is studied, and practical examples are given.

© 1986 Optical Society of America

Photon noise correlations in millimeter-wave telescopes

Charles A. Hill and Akito Kusaka
Appl. Opt. 63(7) 1654-1675 (2024)

Thermal illuminators for far-infrared and submillimeter astronomical instruments

Giampaolo Pisano, Peter Hargrave, Matthew Griffin, Patrick Collins, Jeffrey Beeman, and Raul Hermoso
Appl. Opt. 44(16) 3208-3217 (2005)

Thermal noise and correlations in photon detection

Jonas Zmuidzinas
Appl. Opt. 42(25) 4989-5008 (2003)

Subcompact field optics for far-infrared/submillimeter photometers

Donald Hamilton
Appl. Opt. 25(4) 537-539 (1986)

Hinge spectrometer: a grating Fabry-Perot instrument for far-infrared/submillimeter spectroscopy in space

Martin Harwit, Paul J. Viscuso, Gordon J. Stacey, and Charles Fuller
Appl. Opt. 26(4) 669-675 (1987)