Spectroscopic Instrumentation : Fundamentals and Guidelines for Astronomers

In order to analyze the light of cosmic objects, particularly at extremely great distances, spectroscopy is the workhorse of astronomy. In the era of very large telescopes, long-term investigations are mainly performed with small professional instruments. Today they can be done using self-designed spectrographs and highly efficient CCD cameras, without the need for large financial investments.

This book explains the basic principles of spectroscopy, including the fundamental optical constraints and all mathematical aspects needed to understand the working principles in detail. It covers the complete theoretical and practical design of standard and Echelle spectrographs. Readers are guided through all necessary calculations, enabling them to engage in spectrograph design. The book also examines data acquisition with CCD cameras and fiber optics, as well as the constraints of specific data reduction and possible sources of error. In closing it briefly highlights some main aspects of the research on massive stars and spectropolarimetry as an extension of spectroscopy. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to spectroscopy for students of physics and astronomy, as well as a valuable resource for amateur astronomers interested in learning the principles of spectroscopy and spectrograph design.

Dr. Thomas Eversberg is wireless electrician and astrophysicist. He investigated the winds of massive stars in Germany and Canada by using space and ground based astronomical facilities. Today he manages and supervises the development and design of new optical instruments and space optics for the German Space Agency.

Dr. Klaus Vollmann is atmospheric physicist and worked on the time behavior of infrared detectors and models of the higher atmosphere by using space borne instruments. After many years as a financial engineer and risk controller in financial management he now works as technical engineer in machine building industry.

Both are spectroscopists by education and astronomers by passion. They still build telescopes, develop optical instruments for their private astronomical observatory and publish in professional and amateur journals. They organize international research campaigns on stellar winds together with professional and amateur astronomers and bring both communities closer together.