High resolution Michelson interferometer for airborne infrared astronomical observations. 2: System design.

Area of Science:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• Instrument Development

Background:

• High-resolution spectroscopy is crucial for analyzing astronomical infrared (IR) ionic line emission.
• Previous studies outlined requirements and operational parameters for such systems.
• Airborne platforms offer advantages for IR observations by minimizing atmospheric interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the design details of a Michelson interferometer for high-resolution airborne IR spectroscopic observations.
• To describe the instrumental components and control systems.
• To detail the software and hardware developed for inflight operation.

Main Methods:

• Construction and deployment of a Michelson interferometer on the NASA 91-cm airborne telescope.
• Utilizing a rapid scan mode for spectroscopic observations.
• Incorporating a helium-cooled bolometer detector and cooled passband filters.
• Developing specialized on-line computer software for real-time control and data acquisition.

Main Results:

• The instrument achieved high spectral resolution (lambda/Deltalambda approximately 10^4).
• Detailed design of optics, He-Ne laser interferometer, detector, and filters were implemented.
• On-line software facilitated rapid inflight spectral analysis and parameter control.

Conclusions:

• The developed Michelson interferometer is suitable for high-resolution airborne IR spectroscopic studies.
• The system's design and operational software enable effective inflight astronomical observations.
• This instrument advances the capability for detailed analysis of cosmic ionic line emission.