Precision Spectrograph Optics Enhance Telescope Performance

Benefiting from a unique stabilised production environment Optical Surfaces Ltd. has developed a reputation for designing and manufacturing high precision telescope spectrograph optics (aspheres, mirrors, prisms, lenses and flats) that would stretch the limits of conventional optical fabrication techniques.

A spectrograph is an instrument that is used to study the chemical / physical conditions that exist through a cross-section of space. Combined with a land or space-based telescope a spectrograph can reveal the details that are stored in the spectral distribution of light from a distant astronomical body.

Optical Surfaces Ltd. proven record in manufacturing, mounting and testing demanding high precision spectrograph optics is best exemplified by the prestigious telescope groups that have selected the company as a key supplier. Notable projects include the Narval stellar spectropolarimeter installed on the 2m Bernard Lyot Telescope in the French Pyrenees, the High Resolution Optical Spectrograph (HROS) based on the 8m Gemini Telescope in Chile, the Fibre-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the ESPaDOnS spectrograph at the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope (CFHT).

Investment in a range of interferometers allows one-to-one testing of even the largest diameter spectrograph optics. Topographic and fringe analysis provides precise testing of surface roughness and confirms the wavefront of various surface forms. Operating a rolling program for calibration of test optics where possible to national standards and production approval to ISO 9001-2000 ensures that the quality of telescope spectrograph optics from Optical Surfaces Ltd. is second to none.

SOURCE: Optical Surfaces Ltd.