DMD-based Multi-Object Spectrograph (D-MOS): AIV and first light results

Title

DMD-based Multi-Object Spectrograph (D-MOS): AIV and first light results

Creator

Sriram, S.; Valsan, Vineeth; Remya, B.S.; Subramaniam, A.; Maheswar, G.

Description

A Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)-based Multi-Object Spectrograph (D-MOS) with an integrated imager has been developed. The optical performance of the MOS is evaluated through comprehensive laboratory calibration and on-sky observations using the 1.3-meter J.C. Bhattacharya (JCB) Telescope at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO). The system is designed to assess the viability of using a DMD as a programmable slit mechanism for future ultraviolet-optical space missions. A complete imager-cum-spectrograph assembly was constructed using off-the-shelf optical components and configured for operation in the optical band, employing a DLP9500 DMD with a 19201080 micromirror array. Calibration experiments established the DMD-to-detector coordinate mapping and validated the strategies for object selection and slit placement. On-sky tests in crowded stellar fields confirmed successful slit targeting, precise object alignment, and multiplexed spectral acquisition. The spectrograph achieved a peak efficiency of 32%, a spectral resolving power of R1000 at 6000 a multiplexing capability of up to 46 slits (extendable to 85), and a contrast ratio of 6000. These results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the DMD MOS system under real observational conditions and raise its TRL level for use in next-generation spectroscopic space missions. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.

Source

Experimental Astronomy;Volume;60;Issue;2;Article No.;16;

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

Sriram 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; Remya B.S., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India; Subramaniam A., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560034, India; Maheswar G., 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

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-025-10024-w

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105018594080?origin=resultslist