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The design and on-sky results of the prototype of a low-resolution spectrograph for the thai national telescope
Author(s)
Paenoi, Jitsupa
Buisset, Christophe
Suwansukho, Kajpanya
Sirichote, Wichit
Choochalerm, Piyamas
Aukkaravittayapun, Suparerk
Thummasorn, Griangsak
Ngernsujja, Surin
Inpun, Anuphong
Kaewsamoeta, Pimol
Kanthum, Suchinno
Leckngam, Apichat
Orchiston, Wayne
Chaniworawit, Krittapas
Poshyajinda, Saran
Soonthornthum, Boonrucksar
Date Issued
January 1, 2020
Type
Article
Abstract
The objectives of the research project presented in this paper are to design and develop a Low Resolution Spectrograph for the 2.4 m Thai National Telescope. The Low Resolution Spectrograph will deliver a spectrum in the spectral range (440-740 nm), with a resolution of R approximately equals to 1,000 at the central wavelength, λc, of 600 nm, while observing through a slit with a width of 0. 9 arcsecond wide (in long-slit mode) or during slit-less observations. The Low Resolution Spectrograph was designed to have a total weight of less than 20 kg and a maximum displacement due to gravity of less than 6 microns during a 360° rotation of the instrument cube. We have installed a prototype of the Low Resolution Spectrograph on the Thai National Telescope in December 2018. We have tested its performance on stellar objects during a one-night observing run. During these observations we calibrated the instrument using a Thorium-Argon spectral calibration lamp and a Tungsten lamp and recorded the spectrum of the planetary nebula NGC 2392 in both slit-less and long-slit modes. We measured a spectral resolution of 800-1,300 over the wavelength range 440-740nm, thus demonstrating that the on-sky performance of the prototype was in agreement with the theoretical specifications.
Citation
Current Applied Science and Technology, 20(1), 15-29, 2020