Calibration of MIPS Data
Requirement: MIPS shall be able to repeat photometric measurements of bright sources to better than 4%, with 5% absolute flux calibration.
The instrument allows measurement of dark current, flat field, responsivity, etc.
- Scan mirror can be used to put arrays in the dark as well as select flat field projector for spectral energy distribution mode.
- Scan mirror moves sources around on array.
- Improves sampling
- Robust behavior in the presence of bad pixels
- Keeps detectors in fast response regime
The scan mirror and stimulator operation are closely synchronized with the observing modes.
- Track responsivity changes
- Measure flat field
- Maintain flux calibration
The definition of a few standard observing modes aids in calibration repeatability.