Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Jan 2012
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012aas...21915505p&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #219, #155.05
Physics
Optics
Scientific paper
I present a concept for a simple, compact, reconfigurable lenslet integral field spectrograph as a potential science instrument for space-based characterization of exoplanets. Lenslet IFSes have been universally adopted by ground-based AO high contrast programs because they offer the best wavefront quality of any IFS architecture, significantly better than image slicer designs. However, the complex lenslet-geometry-dependent interlacing of spectra makes it much less straightforward to provide a selection of spectral resolutions through grating or prism interchanges.
Drawing on design heritage from the Keck OSIRIS and Gemini GPI IFSes, I demonstrate that it is in fact possible to design a reconfigurable lenslet IFS with modes that provide for instance (1) R 80 spectra across a 20% bandwidth over a square field of view matched to the wavefront control zone, for survey observations to detect planets, and (2) R 1000 spectra for lenslets covering a reduced field of view (a narrow rectangular subregion of the wide survey FOV), to enable detailed characterization of detected planets. Extension to imaging polarimetry or even spectropolarimetry is also possible. (An alternate mode could provide R 80-100 spectra for a wider spectral bandwidth, say 0.3-1.0 microns simultaneously, but current wavefront control concepts cannot yet provide the required contrast over such a wide band).
This design enables both survey and characterization observations with a single instrument that can be quite compact (optics and mechanisms perhaps 25 x 50 x 50 cm, imaging in both modes onto a single 4096 pixel2 detector). This simple yet flexible design makes it an excellent match for exoplanet studies from moderate sized (2-4m) telescopes.
No associations
LandOfFree
A Reconfigurable Lenslet Integral Field Spectrograph for Detecting and Characterizing Exoplanets from Space does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Reconfigurable Lenslet Integral Field Spectrograph for Detecting and Characterizing Exoplanets from Space, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Reconfigurable Lenslet Integral Field Spectrograph for Detecting and Characterizing Exoplanets from Space will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1577067