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Kottamia Faint Imaging Spectro-Polarimeter (KFISP): opto-mechanical design, software control and performance analysis
Yosry A Azzam1, F I Y Elnagahy1,2, Gamal B Ali1
1National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), Helwan, Cairo, 1142 Egypt.
Experimental Astronomy
|October 18, 2021
Summary
The Kottamia Faint Imaging Spectro-Polarimeter (KFISP) is a new instrument for the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory, enabling diverse astronomical observations. KFISP is now fully commissioned and undergoing testing for various operational modes.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Optical Instrumentation
- Polarimetry
Background:
- The Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO) in Egypt operates a 1.88 m telescope.
- There was a need for a versatile instrument to enhance the observational capabilities of the KAO telescope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the newly developed Kottamia Faint Imaging Spectro-Polarimeter (KFISP).
- To detail the optical design, opto-mechanical implementation, and scientific goals of KFISP.
- To present the performance analysis and first light observations from the instrument.
Main Methods:
- KFISP features an all-refractive optical design with a focal reducer, corrector, collimator, parallel beam, and camera sections.
- The instrument supports multiple operational modes: direct imaging, spectroscopy, polarimetric imaging, and spectro-polarimetry.
- It incorporates an internal calibration system and a liquid nitrogen-cooled CCD camera (2048x2048 pixels).
Main Results:
- The KFISP optical design provides an 8'x8' unvignetted Field-of-View and an effective focal ratio of f/6.14.
- The instrument's opto-mechanical subsystems include slit/guider assemblies, filter/grism wheels, and polarimetric components.
- KFISP has been fully commissioned, mounted on the 1.88 m telescope, and is currently undergoing performance testing.
Conclusions:
- The KFISP instrument is a versatile and advanced addition to the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory.
- Its comprehensive design and multiple operational modes are expected to significantly advance astronomical research.
- Initial results from the first light observations demonstrate the instrument's capabilities and readiness for scientific use.
