Determination of confusion noise for far-infrared measurements

Abstract

We present a detailed assessment of the far-infrared confusion noise imposed on measurements with the ISOPHOT far-infrared detectors and cameras aboard the ISO satellite. We provide confusion noise values for all measurement configurations and observing modes of ISOPHOT in the 90 μm ≤ λ ≤ 200 μm wavelength range. Based on these results we also give estimates for cirrus confusion noise levels at the resolution limits of current and future instruments of infrared space telescopes: Spitzer/MIPS, ASTRO-F/FIS and Herschel/PACS.

Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.

Appendices are only available in electronic form at http://www.edpsciences.org