ItemArticle

Digital micromirror device characterization in optical band for astronomical multi-object spectrograph

Title
Digital micromirror device characterization in optical band for astronomical multi-object spectrograph
Creator
S, Sriram; Valsan, Vineeth; B.S, Remya; A, Subramaniam; G, Maheswar
Description
The Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) consisting of individually controllable micromirrors, has emerged as a versatile tool for astronomical instrumentation, particularly in multi-object spectroscopy (MOS). Unlike traditional slit masks or fiber-based systems, DMDs offer dynamic reconfigurability, enabling efficient light modulation and enhanced spectral acquisition. Their adaptability has led to widespread adoption in ground-based spectrographs (e.g., RITMOS, BATMAN, SAMOS, IRMOS) and feasibility studies for space missions (e.g., EUCLID, CASTOR, SUMO, SIRMOS). DMDs have demonstrated robustness in space qualification tests, including radiation exposure, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress, making them viable for space-based applications. Recent advancements, such as UV-transparent windows and enhanced coatings, further expand their potential for ultraviolet astronomy. In India, the success of AstroSats Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) has motivated the development of the next-generation INdian Spectroscopic and Imaging Space Telescope (INSIST), which includes a DMD-based MOS for UV/optical observations. To advance its Technology Readiness Level (TRL), we evaluated the Texas Instruments DLP9500 DMD (1920 1080 micromirrors, 10 m pitch) in the optical band, assessing key parameters such as diffraction efficiency, reflectivity, contrast, micromirror repeatability, and Point Spread Function (PSF) alignment. This study establishes a foundation for future UV-optimized DMD applications in INSIST and other astronomical missions. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
Source
Experimental Astronomy;Volume;60;Issue;2;Article No.;12;
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media B.V.
Subject
Astronomical instrumentation; Digital micromirror device; Future UV Space mission; INSIST; Multi-object spectroscopy; UV astronomy
Coverage
S S., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India; Valsan V., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India; B.S R., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India; A S., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India; G M., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 9226435;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

S, Sriram; Valsan, Vineeth; B.S, Remya; A, Subramaniam; G, Maheswar, “Digital micromirror device characterization in optical band for astronomical multi-object spectrograph,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/21887.

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