DeepSpec is a novel R~650 broad-band (365nm-900nm) spectrograph planned for the Weizmann Multi-Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). MAST is an array of twenty 60cm PlaneWave telescopes, capable of either acting as a single 2.7m telescope or multiplexing over the entire sky using smaller flexible groups. This approach will make the combination of MAST/DeepSpec a unique facility worldwide in terms of its low cost, flexibility and efficiency, capable of observing up to hundreds of targets per night spread over large areas. With an end-to-end throughput of >65%, DeepSpec will be able to observe targets fainter than 20.5mag in a 15-min exposure using all telescopes, or tens/hundreds of spectra per hour of 18-19 magnitude targets using smaller groups of telescopes – making it an ideal instrument for time-domain astronomy. DeepSpec is currently in the assembly, integration and testing phase and is planned to start on-sky commissioning by summer of 2024.
The discovery of a fair sample of Earth-analogues (Earth 2.0’s), i.e. rocky, Earth-mass exoplanets orbiting a Solar-type star in that host star’s habitable zone, and a subsequent search of evidence of bioactivity on those Earth 2.0’s by the detection of biogenically produced molecules in those exoplanetary atmospheres, are two of the most urgent observational programs in astrophysics and science in general. To identify an Earth 2.0, it is necessary to measure the reflex motion radial velocity amplitude of the host star at the 10 cm/sec level, a precision considerably below that which is currently achievable with existing instruments. The follow-on project to search for the biomarkers in an Earth 2.0’s atmosphere may require an effective planet/star contrast of 10-10, again well below the currently achievable level. In this paper, we discuss technical innovations in the implementation of the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) spectrograph that will enable these observational objectives. We discuss plans to operate G-CLEF at the Magellan Clay telescope with the MagAO-X adaptive optics system and subsequently with GMagAO-X at the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT).
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, Mgb 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 (Δλ = 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 2.7m 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.
The Multi-Aperture Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST) is a new telescope array with a novel design, currently being constructed at the Weizmann Astrophysical Observatory in Israel. It comprises twenty 60 cm telescopes, collectively providing the light-gathering power of a single 2.7 m telescope. MAST features two fiber-fed spectrographs with low and high resolutions, covering the optical domain. To remove instrument signatures and calibrate the wavelength, a calibration unit utilizing quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and ThAr lamps to generate arc and flat spectra will be employed. The lamp outputs are homogenized and distributed by a series of beamsplitters into five identical fiber outlets feeding the spectrographs. This presentation outlines the opto-mechanical design of the calibration unit and the development status of the subsystem.
G-CLEF is a high-resolution, stabilized, fiber-fed spectrograph designed for the GiantMagellan Telescope (GMT). Before its deployment on the GMT, the instrument will be coupled to the Magellan Clay telescope for several years – the G@M phase. While the spectrograph does not require any modifications, a newly developed interface is required to couple G-CLEF to the telescope. G@M will provide four seeing-limited observing modes and one AO observing mode with the Magellan MagAO-X platform. The design of the seeing-limited front-end unit ensures efficient injection of target, sky/background, and calibration light into the optical fibers. This unit is complemented by additional submodules within the fiber run, incorporating slicing and scrambling capabilities to support extreme precision radial velocity measurement and extreme resolution modes.
We present HighSpec – a spectrograph designed for the Multi-Aperture-Spectroscopic Telescope (MAST). HighSpec’s novel optical setup achieves high spectral resolution of R ∼ 20, 000, while maintaining an exceptionally high throughput with a peak efficiency of ≳ 55% over a narrow band-pass of ∼ 140 A. This is made possible by using highly optimized ion-etched binary mask gratings and an electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) detector. HighSpec will include three gratings which will be centered at the Ca II H&K lines, the Mgb lines, and the Hα line. Therefore, HighSpec is highly versatile. Its potential science cases include systematic surveys of flaring M dwarfs; Doppler tomography studies of exoplanet obliquity; dynamical studies of the local population of short-period double white dwarfs; and follow-up of candidate dormant black holes and neutrons stars in binary system.
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