Calibration And Operation Of The Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS)

R Harms; E Beaver; E Burbidge; R Hier; R Allen; R Angel; F Bartko; R Bohlin; H Ford; A Davidsen

doi:10.1117/12.966172

9 January 1984 Calibration And Operation Of The Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS)

R Harms, E Beaver, E Burbidge, R Hier, R Allen, R Angel, F Bartko, R Bohlin, H Ford, A Davidsen

Proceedings Volume 0445, Instrumentation in Astronomy V; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966172
Event: 1983 Astronomy Conferences, 1983, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

The design and basic performance characteristics of the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS), one of five instruments built for use on the Space Telescope observatory, is summarized briefly. The results of the recently completed instrument-level calibration are presented with special emphasis on issues affecting plans for FOS astronomical observations. Examples include such fundamental characteristics as: limiting magnitudes (system sensitivity and noise figures), spectral coverage and resolution, scattered light properties, and instrumental polarization and modulation efficiencies. Also gated toward intended users, a rather detailed description of FOS operating modes is given. The discussion begins with the difficulties anticipated during target acquisition and their hoped-for resolution. Both the "normal" spectroscopic operating modes of the FOS and its "exotic" features (e.g. spectropolarimetric, time-tagged, and time-resolved modes) are presented. The paper concludes with an overview of the activities to assure proper alignment and operation of the FOS within the entire Space Telescope system (orbital and ground-based).

Citation Download Citation

R Harms, E Beaver, E Burbidge, R Hier, R Allen, R Angel, F Bartko, R Bohlin, H Ford, and A Davidsen "Calibration And Operation Of The Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS)", Proc. SPIE 0445, Instrumentation in Astronomy V, (9 January 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966172

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