arXiv subjects

Joseph Strubhar

Publications and source records attributed to Joseph Strubhar.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Design of an atmospheric dispersion corrector and double scrambler for improved fiber coupling and illumination uniformity for the HET HRS

The Hobby--Eberly Telescope High Resolution Spectrograph (HET--HRS) is undergoing a major instrument upgrade to improve its performance over the 360--1000 nm wavelength range. As part of this effort, a new fiber-feed system has been developed to increase throughput and enhance illumination stability. This paper presents the optical and opto-mechanical designs of the upgraded HRS Input Head Module Package and lens-based Double Scramblers. The Input Head incorporates a static Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC) and relay optics optimized for the HET operational zenith-angle range, reducing the residual atmospheric dispersion to less than 0.42 arcsec while improving wavelength-dependent fiber coupling. Separate Double Scrambler designs were developed for the 260 \textmu m and 320 \textmu m science fibers to exchange the near-field and far-field illumination distributions. Geometrical image analyses demonstrate stable near-field and far-field illumination, reduced coupling losses, and acceptable angular acceptance across both fiber geometries. The opto-mechanical designs supporting the Input Head and Double Scrambler are also presented to provide the alignment accuracy and mechanical stability required for the upgraded fiber-feed system. These results establish the proposed architecture as a practical solution for improving the optical performance and illumination stability of HET--HRS.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

Optomechanical design of an ADC and image rotator for the HJST Coudé Spectrograph at McDonald Observatory

High-resolution spectroscopic observations require stable slit illumination and mitigation of atmospheric refraction effects that degrade throughput and spectral fidelity. We present the optical and mechanical design of a Rotational Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (RADC) for the coudé Tull Spectrograph on the Harlan J. Smith 2.7 m Telescope. Atmospheric dispersion introduces wavelength-dependent image displacement that increases with zenith distance and reaches approximately 4 arcsec across the 350 - 1000 nm wavelength range at a zenith angle of 65°, leading to wavelength-dependent slit losses and non-uniform slit illumination. The RADC employs a pair of counter-rotating Amici prisms to provide continuous correction over the operational zenith-angle range while maintaining image quality and compatibility with the existing coudé pre-slit optics. The optical and mechanical design of the deployable ADC subsystem, its integration within the limited relay envelope, and its expected impact on throughput and slit illumination stability are presented. In addition, we discuss a K-mirror image rotator as a potential future upgrade for observations of extended and non-point-like targets, where maintaining a fixed slit position angle on the sky may be desirable during long integrations. Preliminary optical studies of the image-rotation concept and its integration considerations within the HJST coudé relay are briefly summarized. Together, these developments support enhanced observing capabilities for high-resolution spectroscopy on the HJST.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Design overview of the fiber feed for the Hobby-Eberly telescope's HRS

We present the redesign of the fiber feed for the High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS) at the Hobby Eberly Telescope (HET). The upgrade incorporates a static atmospheric dispersion corrector (ADC) using Ohara i-line glasses (BAL15Y and S-FPL51Y), carefully selected for high internal transmission (> 99\%), and optimized to improve throughput and image quality across the 360 - 1000 nm band. The ADC consists of two identical Amici prisms, fixed at an orientation optimized for the HET's nominal zenith angle (35\textdegree), correcting dispersion over the HET zenith range of 26.5\textdegree to 43.5\textdegree. Relay optics were optimized to improve blue end sensitivity and maintain substantially sub-fiber-core RMS spot radii across the full field of view. Simulations, including atmospheric dispersion modeling in ZEMAX show residual dispersion $\le$ 0.42" considering the entire range of wavelengths and zenith distances, with transmission efficiency of 91 to 94\%. We also discuss how the mechanical design integrates all optical elements, including the ADC, in a rigid, modular input head assembly mounted in the HET Prime Focus Instrument Package (PFIP). This optimized fiber feed enhances coupling efficiency, improves S/N in the blue, and enables higher radial velocity precision , maintaining HET - HRS as a leading facility for high - resolution spectroscopy.

astro-ph.IM↗