A new figure of merit, the potential information gathering power, P , is developed for use in evaluating the performance of spectrographs. It is based on the premise that it is desirable to maximize the product of the SNR at each resolution element in the reduced data by the number of resolution elements. Because of this general intent, it places no a priori emphasis on any particular scientific use. This figure is then applied to the task of improving the performance of a real fiber-fed astronomical spectrograph when it is operated in its high-resolution mode. It is shown that the optimum configuration corresponds to adding a new field lens, changing the focal length and size of the collimator, and arranging the camera and collimator axes to the narrowest allowable geometry. An approximate gain of between 15% to 18% may be realized.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/278448 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Vaughnn, David, 1963- |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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