Optical design options for Pollux: UV spectropolarimeter project for the Habitable Worlds Observatory

TL;DR

This paper explores various optical design options for Pollux, a UV spectropolarimeter for the Habitable Worlds Observatory, focusing on spectral channels, resolution, and instrument configurations.

Contribution

It presents new design options for the Pollux instrument, including different spectral channels, resolutions, and optical configurations tailored to telescope size and scientific goals.

Findings

Achievable resolving power exceeds R > 90,000.

Design options vary based on telescope size and aberration correction approach.

Multiple configurations for UV, visible, and near-infrared channels are feasible.

Abstract

Pollux is a project of UV spectropolarimeter proposed as a European contribution for the planned NASA-led Habitable Worlds Observatory. In the present study we consider design options for four spectral channels. The two main channels operate in the range of 118-472 nm. We consider a few design options depending on the hosting telescope size and the approach to correct the aberrations in the camera part and show that the resolving power of R > 90 000 is reachable. In addition, we study 2 other channels: a visible and near infrared spectropolarimeter, which could reach up to 1050 nm or 1800 nm depending on the detector choice, and a far UV channel operating in the range of 100-120 nm. We also provide two design options with different resolution and main disperser type for these channels.