Planck pre-launch status: Low Frequency Instrument calibration and expected scientific performance
Mennella, A. ; Bersanelli, M. ; Butler, R. C. ; ...Mandolesi, N. ; ...Battaglia, P. ; et al.
Sep - 2010
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/200912849
ISSN : 0004-6361 ;
journal : Astronomy and Astrophysics
type: Article Journal

Abstract
We present the calibration and scientific performance parameters of the Planck Low Frequency Instrument (LFI) measured during the ground cryogenic test campaign. These parameters characterise the instrument response and constitute our optimal pre-launch knowledge of the LFI scientific performance. The LFI shows excellent 1/f stability and rejection of instrumental systematic effects; its measured noise performance shows that LFI is the most sensitive instrument of its kind. The calibration parameters will be updated during flight operations until the end of the mission.

keywords : M. C. Falvella: ASI author,PLANCK LFI,cosmic microwave background,instrumentation: detectors,instrumentation: polarimeters,space vehicles: instruments,submillimeter: general,telescopes