A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
HighSpec: A High-Resolution Spectrograph for the MAST Telescope Array
Authors: Rimalt, Yahel Sofer; Ben-Ami, Sagi; Ofek, Eran; Hallakoun, Na´ama; Irani, Ido; Ironi, Oren; Achren, Jani; Bichkovsky, Alex; Blumenzweig, Arie; Hershko, Ofir; Kuncarayakti, Hanindyo; Mattila, Seppo; Mazeh, Tsevi; Mikhnevich, Gleb; Polishook, David; Yaron, Ofer
Editors: Bryant, J.J.; Motohara, K.; Vernet, J.R.
Conference name: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation
Publisher: SPIE
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Proceedings of SPIE : the International Society for Optical Engineering
Book title : Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy
Journal name in source: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Article number: 130968V
Volume: 13096
ISBN: 978-1-5106-7515-5
eISBN: 978-1-5106-7516-2
ISSN: 0277-786X
eISSN: 1996-756X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020206(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020206(external)
Preprint address: http://arxiv.org/pdf/2408.16822(external)
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.
