Towards integrated modelling: full image simulations for WEAVE

Proceedings of SPIE Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers 9913 (2016)

Authors:

Gavin Dalton, Sun J Ham, Scott C Trager, Don C Abrams, Piercarlo Bonifacio, J Alfonso L Aguerri, Kevin F Middleton, Chris R Benn, Kevin Rogers, Remko Stuik, Esperanza Carrasco, Antonella Vallenari, Shoko Jin, Jim R Lewis

Abstract:

We present an integrated end-end simulation of the spectral images that will be obtained by the weave spectrograph, which aims to include full modelling of all effects from the top of the atmosphere to the detector. These data are based in input spectra from a combination of library spectra and synthetic models, and will be used to provide inputs for an endend test of the full weave data pipeline and archive systems, prior to 1st light of the instrument.

Black Hole Mass Measurement in Nearby Galaxy Using Molecular Gas Dynamics

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (2016) 1-4

Authors:

Kyoko Onishi, Satoru Iguchi, Timothy Davis, Martin Bureau, Michele Cappellari, Leo Blitz, Marc Sarzi

Developing an integrated concept for the E-ELT Multi-Object Spectrograph (MOSAIC): design issues and trade-offs

Proceedings of SPIE Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers 9908 (2016)

Authors:

Myriam Rodrigues, Gavin Dalton, Ewan Fitzsimons, Fanny Chemla, Tim Morris, Francois Hammer, Mathieu Puech, Christopher J Evans, Pascal Jagourel

Abstract:

We present a discussion of the design issues and trade-offs that have been considered in putting together a new concept for MOSAIC, the multi-object spectrograph for the E-ELT. MOSAIC aims to address the combined science cases for E-ELT MOS that arose from the earlier studies of the multi-object and multi-adaptive optics instruments. MOSAIC combines the advantages of a highly-multiplexed instrument targeting single-point objects with one which has a more modest multiplex but can spatially resolve a source with high resolution (IFU). These will span across two wavebands: visible and near-infrared.

Developments in fibre positioning technology for the WEAVE instrument for the William Herschel Telescope

Proceedings of SPIE Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers ( 9908 (2016)

Authors:

Ellen JJ Schallig, Ian J Lewis, James M Gilbert, Gavin Dalton, Matthew J Brock, Don C Abrams, Kevin Middleton, J Alfonso L Aguerri, Piercarlo Bonifacio, Esperanza Carrasco, Scott C Trager, Antonella Vallenari

Abstract:

WEAVE is the next-generation wide-field optical spectroscopy facility for the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is a multi-object "pick-and-place" fibre-fed spectrograph with a 1000 fibre multiplex behind a new dedicated 2° prime focus corrector. The WEAVE positioner concept uses two robots working in tandem in order to reconfigure a fully populated field within the expected 1 hour dwell-time for the instrument (a good match between the required exposure times and the limit of validity for a given configuration due to the effects of differential refraction). In this paper we describe some of the final design decisions arising from the prototyping phase of the instrument design and provide an update on the current manufacturing status of the fibre positioner system.

Kinematic properties of double-barred galaxies: Simulations versus integral-field observations

Astrophysical Journal Institute of Physics 828:1 (2016)

Authors:

Min Du, Victor P Debattista, Juntai Shen, Michele Cappellari

Abstract:

Using high-resolution N-body simulations, we recently reported that a dynamically cool inner disk embedded in a hotter outer disk can naturally generate a steady double-barred (S2B) structure. Here we study the kinematics of these S2B simulations, and compare them to integral-field observations from ATLAS3D and SAURON. We show that S2B galaxies exhibit several distinct kinematic features, namely: (1) significantly distorted isovelocity contours at the transition region between the two bars, (2) peaks in σLOS along the minor axis of inner bars, which we term "σ-humps," that are often accompanied by ring/spiral-like features of increased σLOS, (3)h3-V anti-correlations in the region of the inner bar for certain orientations, and (4) rings of positive h4 when viewed at low inclinations. The most impressive of these features are the σ-humps; these evolve with the inner bar, oscillating in strength just as the inner bar does as it rotates relative to the outer bar. We show that, in cylindrical coordinates, the inner bar has similar streaming motions and velocity dispersion properties as normal large-scale bars, except for σz, which exhibits peaks on the minor axis, i.e., humps. These σz humps are responsible for producing the σ-humps. For three well-resolved early-type S2Bs (NGC 2859, NGC 2950, and NGC 3941) and a potential S2B candidate (NGC 3384), the S2B model qualitatively matches the integral-field data well, including the "σ-hollows" previously identified. We also discuss the kinematic effect of a nuclear disk in S2Bs.