SWIFT image slicer: Large format, compact, low scatter image slicing
Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering 6273 II (2006)
Abstract:
We present the SWIFT image slicer and its novel de-magnifying design. It is based on the MPE-3D and SPIFFI image slicers, uses plane mirrors to slice the input field, but achieves a considerable de-magnification through the use of a mosaic of spherical lenses. As only plane and spherical surfaces are used in the design, classical polishing techniques can be applied to achieve very high surface accuracy and quality. This reduces aberrations and scattered light, mandatory for an image slicer working at optical wavelengths and behind an adaptive optics system. Except for the lens mosaic, the SWIFT slicer is built entirely from Zerodur and is assembled using optical contacting. We present a detailed description of the design as well as results of the early stages of its fabrication.The Oxford SWIFT integral field spectrograph
Proceedings of SPIE Vol 6269 (2006) 113-125
SWIFT: An adaptive optics assisted I/z band integral field spectrograph
NEW ASTRON REV 49:10-12 (2006) 647-654
Abstract:
SWIFT is an adaptive optics assisted integral field spectrograph covering the I and z astronomical bands (0.7-1.0 mu m) at a spectral resolving power R <= 5000. At its heart is an all-glass image slicer with high throughput based on a novel de-magnifying design allowing a compact instrument. SWIFT profits from two recent developments: (i) the improved ability of second generation adaptive optics systems to correct for atmospheric turbulence in SWIFTS's bandpass, and (ii) the availability of CCD array detectors with high quantum efficiency at very red wavelengths. It is a dedicated integral field spectrograph, specifically built to address a range of interesting astrophysical questions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.SWIFT Image Slicer: large format, compact, low-scatter image slicing - art. no. 62732L
P SOC PHOTO-OPT INS 6273 (2006) L2732-L2732
Abstract:
We present the SWIFT image slicer and its novel de-magnifying design. It is based on the MPE-3D and SPIFFI image slicers, uses plane mirrors to slice the input field, but achieves a considerable de-magnification through the use of a mosaic of spherical lenses. As only plane and spherical surfaces are used in the design, classical polishing techniques can be applied to achieve very high surface accuracy and quality. This reduces aberrations and scattered light, mandatory for an image slicer working at optical wavelengths and behind an adaptive optics system. Except for the lens mosaic, the SWIFT slicer is built entirely from Zerodur and is assembled using optical contacting. We present a detailed description of the design as well as results of the early stages of its fabrication.Direct imaging searches for planets around white dwarf stars
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union 1:S232 (2005) 344-349