HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array

Yahel Sofer Rimalt; Sagi Ben-Ami; Eran Ofek; Na'ama Hallakoun; Ido Irani; Oren Ironi; Jani Achren; Alex Bichkovsky; Arie Blumenzweig; Ofir Hershko; Hanindyo Kuncarayakti; Seppo Mattila; Tsevi Mazeh; Gleb Mikhnevich; David Polishook; Ofer Yaron

doi:10.1117/12.3020206

HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array

Yahel Sofer Rimalt^*, Sagi Ben-Ami, Eran Ofek, Na'ama Hallakoun, Ido Irani, Oren Ironi, Jani Achren, Alex Bichkovsky, Arie Blumenzweig, Ofir Hershko, Hanindyo Kuncarayakti, Seppo Mattila, Tsevi Mazeh, Gleb Mikhnevich, David Polishook, Ofer Yaron

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review

Abstract

We present the updated design of HighSpec, a high-resolution R ∼ 20, 000 spectrograph designed for the Multi Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). HighSpec offers three observing modes centered at the Ca II H&K, Mg b triplet, and Hα lines. Each mode is supported by a highly optimized ion-etched grating, contributing to an instrument exceptional peak efficiency of ≳ 85% for the two latter bands (≳ 55% for the Ca II H&K band). Optimizing throughput over wavelength coverage (∆λ = 10-17 nm), HighSpec enables the precise measurement of spectral lines from faint targets. This approach is especially relevant for stellar object studies, specifically of WDs, which are intrinsically faint and have few spectroscopic lines. Each observing mode was tailored to target spectral features essential for WD research. Its integration with MAST, an array of 20 custom-designed telescopes that can function as a single large telescope (equivalent to a 2.7 m telescope in collecting area) or multiplexing over the entire sky, provides unique adaptability for extensive and effective spectroscopic campaigns. Currently in its final assembly and testing stages, HighSpec's on-sky commissioning is scheduled for 2025.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X
Editors	Julia J. Bryant, Kentaro Motohara, Joel R. Vernet
Publisher	SPIE
ISBN (Electronic)	9781510675155
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020206
Publication status	Published - 18 Jul 2024
Event	Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X 2024 - Yokohama, Japan Duration: 16 Jun 2024 → 21 Jun 2024

Publication series

Series	Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume	13096

Conference

Conference	Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X 2024
Country/Territory	Japan
City	Yokohama
Period	16/6/24 → 21/6/24

Funding

S.B.A. is grateful for support from the Azrieli Foundation, Andr´e Deloro Institute for Advanced Research in Space and Optics, Peter and Patricia Gruber Award, Willner Family Leadership Institute for the Weizmann Institute of Science, Aryeh and Ido Dissentshik Career Development Chair, Israel Science Foundation, Israel Ministry of Science, and Minerva Stiftung.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Instrumentation
Condensed Matter Physics
Computer Science Applications
Applied Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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10.1117/12.3020206

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Rimalt, Y. S., Ben-Ami, S., Ofek, E., Hallakoun, N., Irani, I., Ironi, O., Achren, J., Bichkovsky, A., Blumenzweig, A., Hershko, O., Kuncarayakti, H., Mattila, S., Mazeh, T., Mikhnevich, G., Polishook, D., & Yaron, O. (2024). HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array. In J. J. Bryant, K. Motohara, & J. R. Vernet (Eds.), Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X Article 130968V SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020206

@inproceedings{d56cb64c72cb4ec2a18c3342ca661d96,

title = "HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array",

abstract = "We present the updated design of HighSpec, a high-resolution R ∼ 20, 000 spectrograph designed for the Multi Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). HighSpec offers three observing modes centered at the Ca II H\&K, Mg b triplet, and Hα lines. Each mode is supported by a highly optimized ion-etched grating, contributing to an instrument exceptional peak efficiency of ≳ 85\% for the two latter bands (≳ 55\% for the Ca II H\&K band). Optimizing throughput over wavelength coverage (∆λ = 10-17 nm), HighSpec enables the precise measurement of spectral lines from faint targets. This approach is especially relevant for stellar object studies, specifically of WDs, which are intrinsically faint and have few spectroscopic lines. Each observing mode was tailored to target spectral features essential for WD research. Its integration with MAST, an array of 20 custom-designed telescopes that can function as a single large telescope (equivalent to a 2.7 m telescope in collecting area) or multiplexing over the entire sky, provides unique adaptability for extensive and effective spectroscopic campaigns. Currently in its final assembly and testing stages, HighSpec's on-sky commissioning is scheduled for 2025.",

author = "Rimalt, \{Yahel Sofer\} and Sagi Ben-Ami and Eran Ofek and Na'ama Hallakoun and Ido Irani and Oren Ironi and Jani Achren and Alex Bichkovsky and Arie Blumenzweig and Ofir Hershko and Hanindyo Kuncarayakti and Seppo Mattila and Tsevi Mazeh and Gleb Mikhnevich and David Polishook and Ofer Yaron",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2024 SPIE.; Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X 2024 ; Conference date: 16-06-2024 Through 21-06-2024",

year = "2024",

month = jul,

day = "18",

doi = "10.1117/12.3020206",

language = "English",

series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",

editor = "Bryant, \{Julia J.\} and Kentaro Motohara and Vernet, \{Joel R.\}",

booktitle = "Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X",

publisher = "SPIE",

address = "United States",

}

Rimalt, YS , Ben-Ami, S , Ofek, E , Hallakoun, N, Irani, I, Ironi, O, Achren, J, Bichkovsky, A, Blumenzweig, A, Hershko, O, Kuncarayakti, H, Mattila, S, Mazeh, T, Mikhnevich, G, Polishook, D & Yaron, O 2024, HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array. in JJ Bryant, K Motohara & JR Vernet (eds), Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X., 130968V, SPIE, Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, vol. 13096, Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X 2024, Yokohama, Japan, 16/6/24. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020206

HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array. / Rimalt, Yahel Sofer ; Ben-Ami, Sagi ; Ofek, Eran et al.
Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X. ed. / Julia J. Bryant; Kentaro Motohara; Joel R. Vernet. SPIE, 2024. 130968V (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol. 13096).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review

TY - GEN

T1 - HighSpec

T2 - Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X 2024

AU - Rimalt, Yahel Sofer

AU - Ben-Ami, Sagi

AU - Ofek, Eran

AU - Hallakoun, Na'ama

AU - Irani, Ido

AU - Ironi, Oren

AU - Achren, Jani

AU - Bichkovsky, Alex

AU - Blumenzweig, Arie

AU - Hershko, Ofir

AU - Kuncarayakti, Hanindyo

AU - Mattila, Seppo

AU - Mazeh, Tsevi

AU - Mikhnevich, Gleb

AU - Polishook, David

AU - Yaron, Ofer

PY - 2024/7/18

Y1 - 2024/7/18

N2 - We present the updated design of HighSpec, a high-resolution R ∼ 20, 000 spectrograph designed for the Multi Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). HighSpec offers three observing modes centered at the Ca II H&K, Mg b triplet, and Hα lines. Each mode is supported by a highly optimized ion-etched grating, contributing to an instrument exceptional peak efficiency of ≳ 85% for the two latter bands (≳ 55% for the Ca II H&K band). Optimizing throughput over wavelength coverage (∆λ = 10-17 nm), HighSpec enables the precise measurement of spectral lines from faint targets. This approach is especially relevant for stellar object studies, specifically of WDs, which are intrinsically faint and have few spectroscopic lines. Each observing mode was tailored to target spectral features essential for WD research. Its integration with MAST, an array of 20 custom-designed telescopes that can function as a single large telescope (equivalent to a 2.7 m telescope in collecting area) or multiplexing over the entire sky, provides unique adaptability for extensive and effective spectroscopic campaigns. Currently in its final assembly and testing stages, HighSpec's on-sky commissioning is scheduled for 2025.

AB - We present the updated design of HighSpec, a high-resolution R ∼ 20, 000 spectrograph designed for the Multi Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). HighSpec offers three observing modes centered at the Ca II H&K, Mg b triplet, and Hα lines. Each mode is supported by a highly optimized ion-etched grating, contributing to an instrument exceptional peak efficiency of ≳ 85% for the two latter bands (≳ 55% for the Ca II H&K band). Optimizing throughput over wavelength coverage (∆λ = 10-17 nm), HighSpec enables the precise measurement of spectral lines from faint targets. This approach is especially relevant for stellar object studies, specifically of WDs, which are intrinsically faint and have few spectroscopic lines. Each observing mode was tailored to target spectral features essential for WD research. Its integration with MAST, an array of 20 custom-designed telescopes that can function as a single large telescope (equivalent to a 2.7 m telescope in collecting area) or multiplexing over the entire sky, provides unique adaptability for extensive and effective spectroscopic campaigns. Currently in its final assembly and testing stages, HighSpec's on-sky commissioning is scheduled for 2025.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85205560471

U2 - 10.1117/12.3020206

DO - 10.1117/12.3020206

M3 - Conference contribution

AN - SCOPUS:85205560471

T3 - Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

BT - Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X

A2 - Bryant, Julia J.

A2 - Motohara, Kentaro

A2 - Vernet, Joel R.

PB - SPIE

Y2 - 16 June 2024 through 21 June 2024

ER -

Rimalt YS , Ben-Ami S , Ofek E , Hallakoun N, Irani I, Ironi O et al. HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array. In Bryant JJ, Motohara K, Vernet JR, editors, Ground-Based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X. SPIE. 2024. 130968V. (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol. 13096). doi: 10.1117/12.3020206

HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array

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