Astrophotonic Solutions for Spectral Cross-Correlation Techniques [IMA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/2208.05983


Using photonic devices, we developed a new approach to traditional spectroscopy where the spectral cross-correlation with a template spectrum can be done entirely on-device. By creating photonic devices with a carefully designed, modulated transmission spectrum, the cross-correlation can be carried out optically without requiring any dispersion, vastly simplifying the instrument and reducing its cost. The measured correlation lag can be used for detecting atomic/molecular species within and determining the radial velocity of a particular astrophysical object.
We present an overview of two design approaches that are currently being developed that use different photonic platforms: silicon and fibre-based photonics. The silicon photonic approach utilizes ring resonators that can be thermo-optically modulated to carry out the cross-correlation. The fibre approach uses customized fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) with transmission spectra that can be strain-modulated. Both approaches have been able to detect molecular gas in a lab setting, and we are now in the process of on-sky testing.
Lastly, we discuss the future for these types of devices as their simplicity opens up the possibility of developing low-cost, purpose-built multi-object or integral field spectroscopic instruments that could make significant contributions to scientific programs requiring stellar RV measurements and exoplanet detections.

Read this paper on arXiv…

S. Sivanandam, R. Cheriton, P. Zavyalova, et. al.
Mon, 15 Aug 22
38/54

Comments: SPIE Proceedings, Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, July 2022, 10 pages, 7 figures