A proposed laser frequency comb based wavelength reference for high resolution spectroscopy

Published

September 12, 2007

Author(s)

Steve Osterman, Scott A. Diddams, Matthew Beasley, Cynthia Froning, Leo W. Hollberg, Phillip MacQueen, Vela Mbele, Andrew Weiner

Abstract

High resolution spectroscopy is the foundation for many of the most challenging and productive of all astronomical observations. A highly precise, repeatable and stable wavelength calibration is especially essential for long term RV observations. The two wavelength references in wide use for visible wavelengths, iodine absorption cells and thorium/argon lamps, each have fundamental limitations which restrict their ultimate utility. We are exploring the possibility of adapt emerging laser frequency comb technology in development at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, to the needs of high resolution, high stability astronomical spectroscopy. This technology has the potential to extend the two current wavelength standards both in terms of spectral coverage and in terms of long term precision, ultimately enabling better than 10 cm/s astronomical radial velocity determination.

Proceedings Title

Proc. 2007 SPIE Conf.

Volume

6693

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

exoplanet, frequency comb, optical spectroscopy, radial velocity

Citation

Osterman, S. , Diddams, S. , Beasley, M. , Froning, C. , Hollberg, L. , MacQueen, P. , Mbele, V. and Weiner, A. (2007), A proposed laser frequency comb based wavelength reference for high resolution spectroscopy, Proc. 2007 SPIE Conf., [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=50591 (Accessed September 7, 2024)