A near infrared frequency comb for Y+J band astronomical spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and performance of a new near-infrared frequency comb in the Y and J bands, aimed at improving wavelength calibration for NIR astronomical spectroscopy and exoplanet detection.

Contribution

The authors develop and demonstrate a Y+J band laser frequency comb as a new wavelength standard for high-resolution NIR spectrographs, expanding capabilities beyond existing H band combs.

Findings

Successful deployment of a Y+J band frequency comb

Optimized for use with high-resolution NIR spectrographs

Improves wavelength calibration in the near-infrared

Abstract

Radial velocity (RV) surveys supported by high precision wavelength references (notably ThAr lamps and I2 cells) have successfully identified hundreds of exoplanets; however, as the search for exoplanets moves to cooler, lower mass stars, the optimum wave band for observation for these objects moves into the near infrared (NIR) and new wavelength standards are required. To address this need we are following up our successful deployment of an H band(1.45-1.7{\mu}m) laser frequency comb based wavelength reference with a comb working in the Y and J bands (0.98-1.3{\mu}m). This comb will be optimized for use with a 50,000 resolution NIR spectrograph such as the Penn State Habitable Zone Planet Finder. We present design and performance details of the current Y+J band comb.