A Novel Double Imaging Camera (ANDICAM)

We describe an instrument that is capable of taking simultaneous images at one optical (UBVRI) and one near-infrared (JHK) wavelength. The instrument uses relatively simple optics and a dichroic to image the same field on to an optical CCD and an HgCdTe array. The mechanical and thermal design is similar to previous instruments built by our group and the array controllers are based on the same architecture. The instrument has been in use for the past four years on the CTIO/Yale 1m telescope in Chile and has an excellent operational/reliability record. A number of notable science results have been obtained with the instrument; especially interesting are several photometric monitoring projects that have been possible, since the instrument is available every night on the telescope.