Spectrograph Design Fundamentals

In recent years enormous changes have occurred in the field of optical spectrometry. Although the basic optical principles remain unchanged, the design considerations are very different and, in many cases, more demanding. Developments in computer ray-tracing and computer aided design have coped with these extra impositions and have allowed the construction of a new generation of spectrographs. The book covers the general principles of spectrographic design, and the practical and engineering aspects of a broad range of spectrographs and spectrometers. The book deals with materials and methods of construction and includes suggestions for the choice of optical table, the design of slit mechanisms, and adjustable mirror, grating and lens mounts, with suggestions for the alignment and calibration of the finished instrument. This will be a valuable resource for academic researchers, graduate students and professionals in the fields of optics, spectroscopy and optical engineering.

Spis treści:
1. A brief history of spectroscopy
2. The relevant regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
3. Geometrical optics
4. Optical aberrations
5. Fourier transforms - a brief revision
6. Physical optics and diffraction
7. The prism spectrograph
8. The plane grating spectrograph
9. The concave grating spectrograph
10. The interference spectrograph
11. The multiplex spectrometer
12. Detectors
13. Auxiliary optics
14. Optical design
15. Mechanical design and construction
16. Calibration
17. The alignment of a spectrograph
Index.