High-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy with a VLT

Extract

The major advantages of the FTS technique are (1) multiplexing, (2) throughput, (3) instrumental profile, (4) stability of frequency calibration, and (5) spectrophotometry accuracy. The multiplex advantage is realized only if one is detector noise limited for the signal within an individual spectral-resolution element. At optical and thermal infrared wavelengths, this is only the case at high spectral resolution (≥ 50000) for modern detectors. By the time the VLT is operating one expects this to also be the case in the 1- to 2.5-micron region. At resolutions ≥ 50000 there are severe problems matching dispersive spectrographs to the VLT aperture, whereas existing FTS instruments already have adequate through-put to match to fields of a few arcsec with a VLT. When the other advantages are considered, the FTS is the instrument of choice for high-resolution (≥ 50000) spectroscopy of absorption features with a VLT. Foreseeable astrophysical applications include observations of interstellar and circumstellar features and of fully resolved profiles of photospheric and planetary lines.