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22 April 2010

NASA releases ‘first light’ images taken with e2v CCDs onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory

On 21st April 2010, NASA released the first images taken with e2v Charge Coupled Device (CCD) imaging sensors onboard NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The SDO spacecraft has been designed to examine the evolution of solar activity and to refine our understanding of space weather by studying the Sun on small scales of space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously.

e2v CCD imaging sensors were supplied for the HMI and AIA instruments which were both built by the Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL). The four AIA telescopes observe the Sun in multiple wavelengths to study the energetics of the solar atmosphere and it’s interaction with the surface magnetic fields, and the HMI measures both solar surface magnetic fields and the Sun’s surface motion as a probe of the solar interior.

The new images can be viewed by visiting http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/ and videos are available here.

Read BBC coverage on the new SDO images by clicking here.

SDO | e2v CCD image sensors | NASA

A full-disk multiwavelength extreme ultraviolet image of the sun taken by SDO on March 30, 2010
Credit: NASA

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

e2v

e2v’s objective is to be a global leader in the design and supply of specialised components and sub-systems that enable the world’s leading systems companies to deliver innovative solutions for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial markets.

e2v has 4 major product groups:
 

  • High performance electron devices and subsystems for applications including defence electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment, and radar systems
  • Advanced Imaging sensors and cameras for applications including industrial process control, dental X-ray systems, space science and life sciences
  • Specialist semiconductors, including logic, memory and microprocessors for high reliability mission-critical programs in avionics, defence and telecommunications, sensor data acquisition, and high speed data conversion
  • A range of professional sensing products for applications including fire, rescue and security thermal imaging, X-ray spectroscopy, and military surveillance, targeting and guidance
For the year ended 31 March 2009, e2v achieved sales of £233m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In October 2008 e2v acquired QP semiconductor, a leading US-based designer and supplier of specialty semiconductor components used in military and aerospace applications, establishing e2v’s first US manufacturing base.

The Company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has approximately 1700 employees in six production facilities across Europe and North America. e2v also operates a global network of sales and technical support offices, supported by local distributors and resellers.

Further information is available from www.e2v.com