Technology of the LSST focal plane

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, now in the research and development phase, will undertake a wide angle, deep survey of the entire southern sky starting in 2014. The survey database will support a wide variety of astrophysical investigations, with particular emphasis on elucidating the nature of dark energy. To achieve its science goals, LSST will incorporate a silicon-based focal plane with unprecedented size (3Gpixel), speed (2 s readout), and sensitivity (high QE over 350–1000 nm wavelength). The technologies to be used in the LSST camera are described, with an emphasis on the silicon sensors and readout electronics.