Ultra-Stable High Resolution Spectrographs for Large Telescopes

F. Diego, I. A. Crawford, D. D. Walker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This short contribution presents the demanding requirements of scientific cases for ultra-high stability spectrography, from the study of subtle radial velocity changes induced by asteroseismology to the ones produced by extra-solar planetary companions. The analysis of physical conditions in cool interstellar clouds is presented as a typical application of ultra-high resolution spectrography. The main technical challenges associated with such instruments are outlined, including focal stations and light feeding methods. As a possible way to combine both modes in a single instrument, we describe a design case for the ultra-stable high resolution spectrograph that we are proposing for the Gemini south telescope, specified to detect radial velocity variations down to one meter per second and also to achieve near diffraction-limited spectral resolution approaching one million. This versatile instrument would occupy an insulated room in the pier of the telescope and would be fed initially by an optical fibre coming from the Cassegrain focal station.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Astronomical Instrumentation
EditorsSandro D'Odorico
PublisherSPIE
Pages218-224
Number of pages7
Volume3355
ISBN (Print)0819428027, 9780819428028
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jul 1998
Externally publishedYes
EventAstronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation - Kona, United States
Duration: 20 Mar 199828 Mar 1998

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherSPIE
Volume3355
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAstronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKona
Period20/03/9828/03/98

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