The Field-Widened SHS: An Extremely High etendue, Unscanned, Michelson-Based Spectrometer

Abstract

This poster described a method under development that promises to be useful for 3-D spectroscopic studies of extremely faint, spatially extended astronomical sources. The method, which we call Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy (SHS), is a relative of the conventional scanning Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), but is free of any scanning elements. We foresee ground-based and space applications for studies of the interstellar medium and the upper atmospheres of solar system objects. Basic configurations that have been tested in the laboratory were described. The SHS instrument we are currently emphasizing for development is intended for a rocket experiment to measure C IV λ1548,51 doublet emission at a resolving power of 20,000 from the hot ISM. Eventually we hope to provide velocity-resolved all-sky maps of selected FUV lines to complement maps obtained at other wavelengths.