Astronomical instrumentation

Abstract:

FMOS: the Fiber Multiple-Object Spectrograph is the next common-use instrument of the Subaru Telescope, having a capability of 400 targets multiplicity in the near-infrared 0.9-1.8μm wavelength range with a field coverage of 30- diameter. FMOS consists of three units: 1) the prime focus unit including the corrector lenses, the Echidna fiber positioner, and the instrument-bay to adjust the instrument focus and shift the axis of the corrector lens system, 2) the fiber bundle unit equipping two fiber slits on one end and a fiber connector box with the back-illumination mechanism on the other end on the bundle, 3) the two infrared spectrographs (IRS1 and IRS2) to obtain 2×200 spectra simultaneously. After all the components were installed in the telescope at the end of 2007, the total performance was checked through various tests and engineering observations. We report the results of these tests and demonstrate the performance of FMOS.

Abstract:

The dusty molecular torus, cornerstone of the unified model of AGN, has been the subject of much observational and theoretical scrutiny in recent years, and much progress has been made with observations and models aiming to reveal, explain and predict its properties. ©2008: Instituto de Astronomía.

Abstract:

We describe the implementation of differential wavefront sampling(DWS) in optical alignment of a pupilsegmented telescope system. As a wavefront-based optical alignment method, DWS can efficiently provide estimations of misalignments present in an optical system by deliberately perturbing optical elements in a systematic manner. This has been demonstrated in our previous numerical studies with realistic uncertainties in wavefront measurements, motion control, and optical surface deformations, suggesting that the method has potential in optical alignment and phasing of pupil-segmented systems such as the future Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). The basic idea and procedures of DWS are first described. We then present and discuss preliminary simulations using the currently proposed European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) as an example system.

Abstract:

The UK FMOS spectrograph forms part of Subaru's FMOS multi-object infrared spectroscopy facility. The spectrograph was shipped to Hilo in component form in August of 2007. We describe the integration sequence for the spectrograph, the results of cooldown tests using a new chiller unit fitted to the spectrograph at the telescope, and alignment tests of the spectrograph, gratings and OH-suppression masks. We present the first-light observations for the spectrograph from May 2008.

Abstract:

The heart of the KMOS instrument is a complex optical system with over 300 separate optical paths. The optical design is spread between 4 sub-systems which have been designed at three different institutions. In order that the end to end performance of the final design can be monitored and controlled it is necessary to specify the performance and interface requirements of each sub-system clearly. This paper describes the parameters that were necessary to control so that the sub-system designs could be carried out independently while maintaining visibility and control of the end to end performance. The method of apportioning the budgets between the sub-systems and the modeling performed to verify compliance is also described.