Total power measurement in astronomical hybrid spectrometers

The problem of measuring total power in a new type of astronomical instrumentation, the hybrid spectrometer, is examined. Errors in the total power measurement cause platforming of the spectra, whereby entire sections of the resulting spectra are lifted above or dropped below the baseline. Some of the error mechanisms are examined, particularly in reference to using the zero delay (zerolag) correlation channel. An alternative method that uses the occurrence frequency of quantization states to measure power is suggested.< >