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The Far Ultraviolet detector of the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph (COS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is subject to distortions on a range of spatial scales in its two-dimensional format due to its analog nature. Incomplete correction of these effects can lead to errors in wavelength scales and flux measurements in the calibrated spectra. Two of the largest sources of error are geometric distortion and walk. Although they are accounted for separately in the CalCOS calibration pipeline, they are highly coupled and can be considered as manifestations of the same effect. The current calibration pipeline does not apply any walk correction in the dispersion direction even though walk-induced errors can be more than a resolution element in some cases. The current geometric correction, which was derived without considering walk effects, is also known to have inaccuracies. As part of our efforts to improve the wavelength calibration of COS, we have revisited the existing walk and geometric correction using both prelaunch and on-orbit data.

The Far Ultraviolet (FUV) detector on the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is subject to a variety of distortions due to its analog nature. Thermal variations of the detector and electronics stretch and shift the active area. Geometric distortions on a range of spatial scales warp the two-dimensional spectral image. Changes due to detector walk – the dependence of detected position on pulse height – add distortions that change as a function of time. The calcos calibration pipeline includes corrections for each of these effects in the calibrated spectra, but these are imperfect, and they do not help with the target acquisition process, which uses raw detector coordinates. We discuss these distortions and their effect on the data, our attempts to mitigate them, the current pipeline corrections and their success at removing the effects, and possible modifications to improve the data quality in the future.

The Far Ultraviolet (FUV) detector of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) uses a large-format, two-segment microchannel plate detector with a Cross Delay-Line anode. Since the installation of COS into HST in 2009, the detector’s properties have continually evolved, and changes to both sensitivity and microchannel plate gain have been observed. In order to maximize the lifetime of the detector, we have been monitoring its local properties as a function of time, cumulative exposure, and other factors, and we have constructed models to predict its future evolution. These models will allow us to actively manage the microchannel plate high voltage levels and the location of the spectra on the detector in order to extend its life without limiting its scientific use. We are also tracking the global sensitivity of the detector, which has been decreasing since installation; the rate of degradation has been found to vary with time, and appears to be correlated with solar activity.

The Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) was installed into the Hubble Space Telescope in May 2009, and has been collecting ultraviolet spectra since then. The Far Ultraviolet channel of COS uses an efficient optical design and a two-segment, large-format Cross Delay Line microchannel plate detector to obtain spectra at medium and low resolution in the far ultraviolet. While the overall instrument performance has been excellent, several long-term trends in performance have been noted and are being addressed. These include a slow decrease in overall sensitivity, which is independent of the illumination and may be due to a degradation of the photocathode with time. In addition, the detector microchannel plates are showing severe gain sag in the regions where the most photons have fallen. As a result, we are in the process of moving the spectra to a new, nearly pristine, location on the detector. This will be the first of several additional lifetime positions which will allow us to collect high-quality spectra for many years to come. We will discuss the factors that led to our decision on where to move next and our progress in moving there, including details of the enabling and calibration activities which are being performed at the new location, and the anticipated performance. We will also address strategies that will be implemented in order to prolong the life at this and subsequent positions.