Submillimetriset

Submillimetriset refers to a class of radio telescopes designed to operate at submillimeter wavelengths, which are between 300 micrometers and one millimeter in length. These observations play a critical role in the study of the early universe, as they allow for the detection of faint sources of emission and absorption at high redshifts.

The development of submillimeter telescopes began in the 1970s and 1980s, when researchers sought to overcome the limitations of infrared and optical telescopes, which are better suited for observing at shorter wavelengths. Submillimeter telescopes are typically used for wavelength ranges between 0.3 and 1.1 millimeters, although some newer facilities are being designed to operate at longer wavelengths, up to 2 millimeters.

Observations in the submillimeter band offer several advantages, including the ability to detect faint galaxies and other sources that are not visible with optical telescopes. This enables astronomers to study the distant universe and its evolution in more detail. However, these observations are also limited by factors such as atmospheric interference, detector sensitivity, and telescope size, all of which need to be carefully managed to ensure high-quality data.

Submillimeter telescopes have been deployed at various locations around the world, including theJCMT, the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and the ALMA telescope. These facilities are used by researchers to conduct a range of scientific investigations, including the study of star formation, galaxy evolution and the search for the first stars and galaxies to form in the universe.