Scope of the workshop

The scope of the workshop encompasses the methodologies used for calibrating and assessing the performance of infrared detectors operating in space. Its objective is to convene international specialists to present recent advances and to address the primary challenges associated with in-flight calibration of infrared detector systems. 

Particular emphasis will be placed on operational experience from contemporary space telescopes, enabling effective knowledge exchange across different scientific communities. The workshop will therefore focus on evaluating current mission practices and lessons learned, while presenting calibration strategies planned for future missions, emerging detector technologies, and new mission concepts.

Overview of the scientific programme

• Space Missions Overview. Comparative review of current and upcoming space observatories equipped with state-of-the-art infrared focal-plane technologies.

• Technology Development / New Mission Concepts. Status update on detection-chain technology development and its prospective use in future mission architectures.

• Data Acquisition / Signal Estimation. Cross-mission comparison of data-acquisition methodologies and signal-extraction strategies, with emphasis on recent innovations.

• Infrared Detector Characterization. Case studies highlighting the present state of characterization activities for state-of-the-art infrared detector technologies, including comparative analysis of detector effects and assessment methodologies.

• Pre-launch Characterization Strategies. Overview of mission-specific approaches for end-to-end detection-chain characterization before launch to ensure robust in-flight calibration.

• In-flight Calibration and Performance. Case studies highlighting how detector effects propagate into data processing and calibration pipelines, with focus on lessons learned and recent performance developments.