Abstract

Highly multiplexed spectroscopic capabilities are critical to future astronomy space missions. Such capabilities enable large samples of spectral data to be collected in an efficient manner. The individual mirrors of a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) can serve as slits in a multi-object spectrograph (MOS). This work explores several areas vital to the inclusion of DMDs in future astronomy missions: space qualification, optical performance, and the implementation of Hadamard Transform Spectral Imaging (HTSI). While DMDs were not designed for space, this work reports on testing that demonstrates that the devices can withstand the environmental conditions of a space mission. The optical properties of a DMD ultimately drive the wavelength range and quality of spectral data obtained from a DMD-based MOS. We have characterized the reflectance and contrast ratio of various DMDs from near ultra-violet through visible wavelengths and discuss the results. This work also discusses efforts in expanding the spectral sensitivity of DMDs. Maximizing spectral information over a spatial field of view (FoV) on the sky is highly desirable. In the multi-object spectroscopy mode, individual DMD micromirrors are selected to generate a sparse sample of spectra at individual locations. Additionally, a DMD can be used for integral field spectroscopy (IFS) by forming a long slit from a line of micromirrors, which is then altered to effectively scan across the FoV. In this work we evaluate an alternative technique, HTSI. HTSI has the advantage of a gain in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as compared to direct measurements with a long slit, when the observed signals are not photon-noise dominated. We have simulated the performance of HTSI with a DMD-based MOS to identify the limitations of the technique and scenarios where it is most advantageous. With both MOS and IFS capabilities, a DMD-based instrument is a versatile asset fit for a variety of astronomy missions.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Hadamard transform spectroscopy; Spectrograph--Design and construction

Publication Date

4-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Imaging Science (Ph.D.)

Advisor

Alan Raisanen

Advisor/Committee Member

Joel Kastner

Advisor/Committee Member

Massimo Robberto

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IMGS-PHD

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