Calibration and modeling support for instruments at ESO

Florian Kerber; Paul Bristow; Michael R. Rosa

doi:10.1117/12.789081

9 July 2008 Calibration and modeling support for instruments at ESO

Florian Kerber, Paul Bristow, Michael R. Rosa

Proceedings Volume 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II; 70146F (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789081
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

We describe the activities of the Physical Modeling Group in ESO's Instrumentation Division related to the calibration and physical description of an instrument with the objective to support the data reduction of science data and to facilitate operations. We will use CRIRES and X-shooter as examples to describe the general concept. The core contribution of the group consists of four parts: a) Optical model: describing the configurations of the optical elements of the spectrograph based on engineering information; b) Calibration Reference Data: examples are: Wavelength standards traceable to laboratory standards form the basis for the application of the 2-D wavelength calibration; spectro-photometric standard stars to support flux calibration; physical properties of optical components such as the refractive index (Τ, λ) of a disperser. c) support for Data Reduction Software (DRS) development: simulated data based on a model based description of the instrument; d) general Project Support such as participation in Testing, Commissioning and Science Verification. These tasks have been performed and documented in close collaboration with the project teams and the software development groups. In summary, we have found that the use of instrument physical modeling techniques can be beneficial during all phases of the life of an instrument: design, optimization, manufacture, testing and operations. Once fully integrated in the project plan and scheduling direct and tangible benefits to the overall project result. Hence planning for VLT 2nd generation and E-ELT instruments should make full use of these capabilities.

Citation Download Citation

Florian Kerber, Paul Bristow, and Michael R. Rosa "Calibration and modeling support for instruments at ESO", Proc. SPIE 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II, 70146F (9 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789081

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