Final Alignment and Image Quality Test for the Acquisition and Guiding System of SOXS

TL;DR

This paper reports on the final alignment, image quality testing, and optical performance evaluation of the Acquisition and Guiding Camera system for the SOXS spectrograph at La Silla Observatory.

Contribution

It provides an update on the integration, alignment, and testing procedures of the AC system for SOXS, highlighting its optical performance and readiness.

Findings

Successful integration and alignment of the AC system.

Image quality tests confirmed the system meets specifications.

Optical performance analysis shows suitability for transient follow-up.

Abstract

SOXS (Son Of X-Shooter) will be the new medium-resolution (R 4500 for 1 slit), high-efficiency, wide-band spectrograph for the ESO NTT at La Silla Observatory, Chile. It will be dedicated to the follow-up of any kind of transient events, ensuring fast time, high efficiency, and availability. It consists of a central structure (common path) that supports two spectrographs optimized for the UV-Visible and a Near-Infrared range. Attached to the common path is the Acquisition and Guiding Camera system (AC), equipped with a filter wheel that can provide science-grade imaging and moderate high-speed photometry. The AC Unit was integrated and aligned during the summer months of 2022 and has since been mounted in the NTTs telescope simulator. This work gives an update on the Acquisition Camera Unit status, describes the Image Quality Tests that were performed, and discusses the AC Optical Performance.