arXiv subjects

Julia Brady

Publications and source records attributed to Julia Brady.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Commissioning and on-sky performance verification of iLocater

iLocater is a high-resolution near-infrared extreme precision radial velocity (EPRV) spectrograph that was deployed to the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) in June 2026. iLocater operates over $\lambda=966-1312$ nm with a median resolving power of $R=205,000$ as measured in the laboratory. We present the commissioning and initial on-sky verification program using solar and night-time observations at the LBT. First light was achieved on 27 June 2026, and nearly 150 on-sky spectra have now been recorded. Observations include single stars ranging in spectral type from B5 to M6. iLocater uses the LBT AO system, and we have demonstrated its ability to obtain spatially resolved spectra of close ($\theta < 1''$) binary stars.

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arXiv2026

Laboratory characterization of iLocater

iLocater is a diffraction-limited, fiber-fed spectrograph designed for the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), which targets high-precision radial velocity measurements in the near-infrared. Prior to deployment, comprehensive laboratory characterization was essential to validate instrument performance and inform alignment strategies. This paper presents results from four key areas of lab characterization: (1) adjustment and optimization of detector orientation to optimize spectrum alignment with the detector pixel grid across the focal plane; (2) the design and installation of a LED illumination source to enable high-fidelity flat-fields; (3) a model-based focusing methodology using OpticStudio image simulations to optimize the optical alignment of the spectrograph; and (4) assessment of instrument mechanical and optical stability under laboratory conditions. Together, these efforts established baseline performance metrics and demonstrated instrument readiness for delivery and on-sky commissioning.

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arXiv2026

Update on the slicer IFU for the Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS)

The Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS) is a planned next generation multi-object and integral field spectrograph for the 6.5m Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. MIRMOS will perform $\rm R\sim3700$ spectroscopy over a simultaneous wavelength range of 0.886 - 2.404um (Y, J, H, K bands) in addition to imaging over the range of 0.7 - 0.886um. The integral field mode of operation for MIRMOS will be achieved via an image slicer style integral field unit (IFU) located on a linear stage to facilitate movement into the beam during use or storage while operating in multi-object mode. The IFU will provide an $\rm\sim18''\times26''$ field of view (FoV) made up of $\rm0.84''\times26''$ slices. This will be the largest FoV IFS operating at these wavelengths from either the ground or space, making MIRMOS an ideal instrument for a wide range of science cases including studying the high redshift circumgalactic medium and emission line tracers from ionized and molecular gas in nearby galaxies. We present here an update on the IFU design from our 2024 proceeding. Previously we utilized a re-imaging style slicer which required freeform pupil mirrors in order to achieve the required image quality while obeying significant packaging constraints near the instrument focal surface. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost and decouple the IFU from the configurable slit unit used in multi-object mode, we have moved the IFU deeper into the instrument, allowing for a switch to a virtual style IFU. This now requires a re-imaging doublet before the slicer mirrors, but removes the need for any freeform surfaces. We present here the optical design and predicted performance of the new MIRMOS IFU along with a conceptual design for the opto-mechanical system which will move the IFU between its active and stored positions.

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arXiv2026

Update on the Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS)

The Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS) will be a next generation multi-object (MOS) and integral field spectrograph (IFS) for the 6.5m Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. MIRMOS will perform R~3700 spectroscopy over a simultaneous wavelength range of 0.886-2.404um (Y, J, H, and K bands) in addition to imaging over the range of 0.7-0.886um. Target selection in the MOS mode is achieved through a cryogenic mechanism capable of making up to 92 slits over a 13'x3' field of view (FoV). This mechanism can be reconfigured in real time to adjust slit widths for seeing conditions, change to a different mask, or form a long slit. The IFS mode of operation for MIRMOS will be achieved via an image slicer style integral field unit (IFU) which will provide an ~18"x26" FoV made up of 0.84"x26" slices. MIRMOS's design will allow it to address a wide range of science cases from performing spectroscopy of high-redshift galaxies as well as high signal-to-noise transmission spectroscopy of exoplanet atmospheres with the MOS/long slit mode, while also having the largest FoV IFS operating on a large telescope at these wavelengths. We will describe here the design of the MIRMOS instrument -- now at the end of the preliminary design phase.

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arXiv2024

A Novel Freeform Slicer IFU for the Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS)

The Magellan InfraRed Multi-Object Spectrograph (MIRMOS) is a planned next generation multi-object and integral field spectrograph for the 6.5m Magellan telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. MIRMOS will perform R$\sim$3700 spectroscopy over a simultaneous wavelength range of 0.886 - 2.404$\mu$m (Y,J,H,K bands) in addition to imaging over the range of 0.7 - 0.886$\mu$m. The integral field mode of operation for MIRMOS will be achieved via an image slicer style integral field unit (IFU) located on a linear stage to facilitate movement into the beam during use or storage while operating in multi-object mode. The IFU will provide a $\rm \sim20"\times26"$ field of view (FoV) made up of $\rm0.84"\times26"$ slices. This will be the largest FoV IFS operating at these wavelengths from either the ground or space, making MIRMOS an ideal instrument for a wide range of science cases including studying the high redshift circumgalactic medium and emission line tracers from ionized and molecular gas in nearby galaxies. In order to achieve the desired image quality and FoV while matching the focal ratio to the multi-object mode, our slicer design makes use of novel freeform surfaces for the pupil mirrors, which require the use of high precision multi-axis diamond milling to manufacture. We present here the optical design and predicted performance of the MIRMOS IFU along with a conceptual design for the opto-mechanical system.

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