Performance estimates for spectrographs using photonic reformatters

TL;DR

This paper explores how photonic reformatters can reduce modal noise in high-resolution spectrographs, potentially enhancing radial velocity measurements, and discusses theoretical and experimental steps needed for optimization.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for comparing photonic and conventional spectrographs and outlines future investigations to validate the photonic reformatting approach.

Findings

Modal noise impacts conventional high-resolution spectroscopy.

Photonic reformatters can theoretically improve measurement stability.

Further experimental validation is needed.

Abstract

Using a photonic reformatter to eliminate the effects of conventional modal noise could greatly improve the stability of a high resolution spectrograph. However the regimes where this advantage becomes clear are not yet defined. Here we will look at where modal noise becomes a problem in conventional high resolution spectroscopy and what impact photonic spectrographs could have. We will theoretically derive achievable radial velocity measurements to compare photonic instruments and conventional ones. We will discuss the theoretical and experimental investigations that will need to be undertaken to optimize and prove the photonic reformatting concept.