The slitmask alignment tool: robust, efficient, and astronomer-friendly software for aligning multi-object slitmasks

Marc Kassis; Gregory D. Wirth; Andrew C. Phillips; Charles C. Steidel

doi:10.1117/12.926693

13 September 2012 The slitmask alignment tool: robust, efficient, and astronomer-friendly software for aligning multi-object slitmasks

Marc Kassis, Gregory D. Wirth, Andrew C. Phillips, Charles C. Steidel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8448, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IV; 844807 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926693
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Multi-object spectroscopy via custom slitmasks is a key capability on three instruments at the W. M. Keck Observatory. Before observers can acquire spectra they must complete a complex procedure to align each slit with its corresponding science target. We developed the Slitmask Alignment Tool (SAT), to replace a complex, inefficient, and error-prone slitmask alignment process that often resulted in lost sky time for novice and experienced observers alike. The SAT accomplishes rapid initial mask alignment, prevents field misidentification, accurately predicts alignment box image locations, corrects for flexure-induced image displacement, verifies the instrument and exposure configuration, and accommodates both rectangular and trapezoidal alignment box shapes. The SAT is designed to lead observers through the alignment process and coordinate image acquisition with instrument and telescope moves to improve efficiencies. By simplifying the process to just a few mouse clicks, the SAT enables even novice observers to achieve robust, efficient, and accurate alignment of slitmasks on all three Keck instruments supporting multislit spectroscopy, saving substantial observing time.

Citation Download Citation

Marc Kassis, Gregory D. Wirth, Andrew C. Phillips, and Charles C. Steidel "The slitmask alignment tool: robust, efficient, and astronomer-friendly software for aligning multi-object slitmasks", Proc. SPIE 8448, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IV, 844807 (13 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926693

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available