With system and science verification complete, the Gemini Bench-mounted High-Resolution Spectrograph (bHROS) is available for science programs in 2006A. Proposals are due September 30, 2005.
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Gemini Observatory
Spectrum of the K2 red giant HD 192879 obtained with bHROS during commissioning which demonstrates the very high resolution of the instrument.
BHROS: a new and unique high-resolution optical spectrograph on Gemini South is the highest resolution optical (400-1000 nm) echelle spectrograph optimized for use on an 8-meter telescope. It achieves efficiencies of 13-18% (depending upon fiber mode with median seeing), with well-sampled spectra at a spectral resolution of R=150,000. More technical details available here.
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Gemini Observatory
The Gemini Bench-mounted High Resolution Spectrograph (bHROS) with Project Manager Dr. Margaret Aderin from UCL, on the right is Gemini SSA, Simon Chan. The most prominent item in the picture is the prism cross-disperser (top-center).
Located within the thermally stable pier of the Gemini South telescope, bHROS is fiber-fed through the core of the telescope from the cassegrain focus.
It is anticipated that bHROS will be well-suited for studies that include:
- High precision abundance analysis including determination of the 6Li/7Li isotopic ratio, abundances in ultra metal-poor stars, ISM, etc.
- Analysis of absorption line profiles
- High-precision radial velocity measurements (planet searches etc.)