SpeX: 0.7-5.3 Micron Medium-Resolution Spectrograph and Imager NASA InfraRed Telescope Facility(IRTF), Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii |
For most observing programs guiding is done with the IR slit viewer on spillover flux from the object in the slit. However, for optically visible objects selectable IR transmitting and visible reflecting dichroics in SpeX feed the MORIS CCD camera attached to the side of SpeX to enable guiding in the visible. MORIS is also used as a scientific CCD imager and for simultaneous optical and IR observations in conjunction with SpeX.
The upgrade has resulted in increased simultaneous (one shot) wavelength coverage in all spectral modes and improved spectral sensitivity (0.25-0.5 mags). Due to the faster computers instrument control is more robust and there are fewer software problems.
SpeX was originally funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1996 with additional funding from NASA for the detector arrays in 1998. The SpeX Upgrade was funded by NSF in 2008 but delays in procurement of a science grade H2RG array delayed completion until 2014.
Old SpeX (2000-Jan 2014) | New Spex (Aug 2014-) |
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Contact Mike Connelley for further information or assistance |