Investigation of focal ratio degradation in optical fibres for astronomical instrumentation

Lisa Crausea, Matthew Bershady, David Buckleya

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

differential method was used to investigate the focal ratio degradation (FRD) exhibited by, and throughput of, a selection of current-generation optical fibres. These fibres were tested to establish which would be best suited to feed the High Resolution Spectrograph being built for the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), as well as for future instruments on WIYN and SALT. The double re-imaging system of Bershady et al. (2004) was substantially modified to improve image quality and measurement efficiency, and to permit a direct FRD-measurement in the far-field. The reimaging method compares the beam profile produced by light which passes through a fibre to that which does not. Broad and intermediate band-pass filters were used between 400-800 nm to test for wavelength dependence in the observed FRD over a wide range in beam-speeds. Our results continue to be at odds with a mico-bend model for FRD.We conclude that the new Polymicro FBP fibre is the most suitable product for broadband applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II - Marseille, France
Duration: 23 Jun 200828 Jun 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7014
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityMarseille
Period23/06/0828/06/08

Keywords

  • Focal ratio degradation
  • Multi-mode fibres

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