Table of Contents

THEMIS MulTi-Ray spectrograph (MTR2)

MTR2 is the advanced version of the original MulTi-Ray spectrograph of THEMIS. MTR2 enables the production of high-spectral resolution spectrograms simultaneously in different wavelengths. This enables the study of different physical properties of the distinct layers of the solar atmosphere.

Schematics of MTR2

MTR2 is made of a predispersor (“SP1” first one on the left part), forming a low resolution spectrum on the wavelength selector (so called the “mask plate”). From there, only the selected bandwiths travel to the high-resolution echelle spectrograph (right part), ending over the MTR cameras at the SP2 output (one bandwith per camera).

The optical layout along Y is fixed (no changes, never). The ruling of the gratings are along Y only and the dispersion of both spectra is along Z only. The entrance slit is fixed (but for its width), and such are the collimators and camera mirrors.

The moving parts are:

  • The predisperser gratings selection table (EM35). There are 3 selectable predispersers, although only one (the central slot) is mainly used for MTR2 operation.
  • PThe predisperser rotates about the Y axis to change its grating incidence angle (EM37). This allows shifting the lowres spectrum along Z over the masks stop plate.
  • The mask plate translates in the Z direction (EM39)
    • The echelle grating rotates about the Y axis to change its grating incidence angle a (EM32). This allows shifting the highres spectrum along Z at the SP2 output.
  • The legacy “DPSM engage” mirror (EM71, “out” in normal operation.
  • Each of the 4 spectrograph mirrors has a mechanical shutter (EM50 to EM53)

In short:

  1. The main optical layout (F2 to SP2) is static and does not require changes for daily operation.
  2. Spectral configuration of the multi-line is obtained using:
    • both gratings rotation
    • masks plate tuning in translation
    • manual setup of the spectral cameras at the SP2 output

Data and formulae for the MTR2 can be found in the following document:
THEMIS spectrograph (auth: CLM)

Spectrograph simulation tools

These tools allow the observer to quick check the feasibility of a setup

Observers can also check the list of existing available mask plates to have an idea of readily available combination.

Solar spectra resources


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