Echellette Spectrograph and Imager

The ESI instrument is a versatile, multi-mode spectrograph and imager. There are two distinct spectroscopic modes: a medium-resolution echellette mode with prism cross dispersion; and a high-throughput mode using prism dispersion only. The spectrograph modes will cover the full wavelength range of the Keck II silvered mirrors (3900 to 11000 A) in a single exposure. The low-resolution, prism-only mode provides the same spectral range, multi-object capability, and very high throughput. ESI also provides an imaging mode with a field of view of 2 arcmin x 8 arcmin. An Epps refracting camera and a single 2K x 4K detector are used for all three modes.
View some construction images or engineering drawings.

Project Principal Investigator: Joe Miller (Director - UCO/Lick)
Co-Principal Investigators: Michael Bolte, Raja Guhathakurta, Dennis Zaritsky
Optical Designers: Brian Sutin, Harland Epps
Project Manager: David Cowley
Project Engineers: Matthew Radovan, Andrew Sheinis

Status:

ESI has seen first light at Keck Observatory! (August 29, 1999) First light engineering run went very well. Some issues remain to be dealt with, such as the stray light from the Renishaw encoders on the slit/aperture/filter wheels, but work is in progress and a fix will be tested in the September observing run. See the Keck ESI page for the latest details.

Engineering and Operational Data

Pre-Ship Review Documents

This is where we are accumulating documents, images and test data for our pre-ship review which will be held on May 24.

Tasks/Tests/Scheduling

Tasks to do and tests to make. A weekly schedule of expected usage is posted here. (Currently only accessible from domains ucolick.org and keck.hawaii.edu. E-mail jim@ucolick.org with inquiries)

Mechanical and Electronic Documentation

Here is where we are accumulating the documentation of the instrument mechanical and electronic stages.

Stage Data

Stage specific parameters

Instrument Electronic Schematics

Schematics and descriptions for the ESI Instrument Electronics.

CCD Controller Schematics

Schematics and descriptions for the ESI CCD Controller Electronics.

Troubleshooting help

Prelimary (...and evolving) collection of possible problems and cures.

Papers

Papers written that pertain to the ESI project

Preliminary Documentation

Instrument requirements and design. (Early version!...contains some science fiction)

Get more information on the new ESI logo jacket

This page is maintained by Heather Mietz heather@ucolick.org