Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
We compare the relative merits of four different types of instrument for tridimensional spectrometry at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths: the echelle and long-slit spectrographs and two types of Fourier transform spectrometer (conventional scanning and fixed tilt spatially heterodyned). Each of these instruments requires different spatial and spectral scanning modes. It is shown that in certain limiting conditions all four are equally efficient, but that they differ in other important characteristics.