Assessing the impact of spectral fringes on astronomical line fluxes
M. el akel (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
The following report aims to provide an initial approach to the user for quantifying the diverse methods for correcting the fringes within astronomical spectra. This study is developed as part of the Master thesis conducted at the Aerospace Engineering Faculty of Delft University of Technology. Determining the composition of the environment in space has always been a key feature for understanding it. Perceiving what cannot be seen by the human eye on images was realized by means of spectrometers, combined with focal plane detectors. Spectral features depicted on the delivered spectra provide scientists with vital information on the observed entities. However, further analysis showed that multi-beam interference of the light spectrumoccurred within this instrumentation, misleading the results. This physical principle, also called as the Fabry-Pérot principle, generates fringes, that appeared to be present in many space telescope instruments such as the STIS, SWS/LWS, Spitzer IS, HIFI and the MRS. Therefore, the need to find a reliable solution for correcting these fringes has been a key requirement within the astronomy, especially for the future spectrometers and dedicated detectors to be sent in space on board the JamesWebb Space Telescope in 2019...