Makee: Matching Spectra Levels with "spim2"

Abstract:
This page describes a method of matching or equalizing continuum levels between orders and exposures using "spim2".


spim2
In order to use a program like   combine   to average together many exposures, the spectra must be "equalized" such that every wavelength point is a measure of the same value. That is, the continuum levels of all overlapping orders must all match within the level of the noise.

Usually, one would hope that flux calibration of the spectral response using a standard star would do this for us, however, accurate flux calibration of echelle spectra is often difficult or impossible. There are particular problems with the response function across orders of the Keck HIRES instrument in that this function appears to be dependent upon telescope elevation, although the source and nature of this effect has not been well investigated.


Under construction...


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