Fabrication of narrow-slit masks for the Gemini Multiobject Spectrograph

Kei Szeto; James R. Stilburn; Tim Bond; Scott C. Roberts; Jerry Sebesta; Leslie K. Saddlemyer

doi:10.1117/12.269017

21 March 1997 Fabrication of narrow-slit masks for the Gemini Multiobject Spectrograph

Kei Szeto, James R. Stilburn, Tim Bond, Scott C. Roberts, Jerry Sebesta, Leslie K. Saddlemyer

Proceedings Volume 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269017
Event: Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, 1996, Landskrona/Hven, Sweden

Abstract

The fabrication requirements of the Gemini multi-object spectrograph (GMOS) slit mask is discussed particularly in terms of the slit-to-slit position, slit geometry and the telescope operation. The demand for precision slit masks with high quality slits of width of less than quarter arcsecond and an allowable fabrication time of two hours required examination of innovative fabrication processes and mask materials. Different fabrication processes including high precision cutting processes, water-jet and laser machining systems are evaluated according to cost, speed and efficiency, and the findings are documented. Different candidate mask materials including low thermal expansion metals and novel materials such as graphite paper and carbon-fiber composite sheet, are evaluated according to their relevant mechanical and physical properties, and the findings are also documented. In addition to identifying that the most suitable mask material is unidirectional carbon fiber sheet and the corresponding fabrication process is a Nd:YAG laser machining system, the mask handling system for GMOS is described and methodology to minimize systematic fabrication errors is also proposed.

Citation Download Citation

Kei Szeto, James R. Stilburn, Tim Bond, Scott C. Roberts, Jerry Sebesta, and Leslie K. Saddlemyer "Fabrication of narrow-slit masks for the Gemini Multiobject Spectrograph", Proc. SPIE 2871, Optical Telescopes of Today and Tomorrow, (21 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269017

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