Multiple object fiber optics spectrograph feed for the Hale telescope

Abstract

The preliminary design for a computer-controlled fiber-optics feed linking the 5-m Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory to the entrance slit of an astronomical spectrograph is presented. A 76-mm square field will be divided into ten strips containing two movable fibers each; the fibers can be moved by stepper-motor-driven lead screws to any position on the strip. The device is designed to allow the simultaneous spectrographic observation of many astronomical objects in a small angular field. A prototype feed using two fibers and manually commanded digital control is described in detail. Test observations of two bright O stars made in April, 1981 using the prototype with the Hale telescope are considered sufficiently positive to warrant construction of the 20-fiber feed, which would enhance the spectrographic-survey effectiveness of the telescope by a factor of ten.