RASCAL: Towards automated spectral wavelength calibration

TL;DR

RASCAL is a Python library that automates the wavelength calibration process for astronomical spectrographs, reducing manual effort and leveraging advanced algorithms for improved accuracy.

Contribution

The paper introduces RASCAL, a novel Python library that automates spectral wavelength calibration using state-of-the-art methods with minimal user input.

Findings

Successfully applied to real-world calibration spectra

Reduces manual peak matching effort

Utilizes advanced algorithms for calibration accuracy

Abstract

Wavelength calibration is a routine and critical part of any spectral work-flow, but many astronomers still resort to matching detected peaks and emission lines by hand. We present RASCAL (RANSAC Assisted Spectral CALibration), a python library for automated wavelength calibration of astronomical spectrographs. RASCAL implements recent state-of-the-art methods for wavelength calibration and requires minimal input from a user. In this paper we discuss the implementation of the library and apply it to real-world calibration spectra.