Data Analysis for Precision Spectroscopy: the ESPRESSO Case

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of ESPRESSO, a high-resolution spectrograph for ESO VLT, and its dedicated Data Analysis Software designed to enhance spectral data analysis with new algorithms and interactive tools.

Contribution

It introduces the ESPRESSO spectrograph and its innovative Data Analysis Software with new algorithms and an interactive GUI for improved spectral data analysis.

Findings

First ESO instrument with dedicated data analysis tools.

Implementation of new algorithms for quasar spectra analysis.

Enhanced interactivity and iteration modes in data processing.

Abstract

ESPRESSO is an extremely stable high-resolution spectrograph which is currently being developed for the ESO VLT. With its groundbreaking characteristics it is aimed to be a "science machine", i.e. a fully-integrated instrument to directly extract science information from the observations. In particular, ESPRESSO will be the first ESO instrument to be equipped with a dedicated tool for the analysis of data, the Data Analysis Software (DAS), consisting in a number of recipes to analyze both stellar and quasar spectra. Through the new ESO Reflex GUI, the DAS (which will implement new algorithms to analyze quasar spectra) is aimed to get over the shortcomings of the existing software providing multiple iteration modes and full interactivity with the data.