Manfred Schwarz
Chairman of the Vega Symposium, Austria
Workshop: High Resolution DIY Spectrograph VegaSpec III
Abstract:
Over the past three years, I have dedicated my research and engineering efforts to the development of a high-resolution optical spectrograph designed specifically for DIY construction. This iterative journey involved exploring and testing several unconventional optical and mechanical concepts before ultimately returning to the robust and highly proven folded Littrow principle.
The primary focus during the development of the VegaSpec III was striking a seamless balance between uncompromising optical quality and maximum system automation. Designed with remote operation in mind, the instrument integrates precision motorized components for focusing, grating rotation, and calibration directly into a custom-engineered chassis.
In this workshop, attendees will get an in-depth look under the hood of the VegaSpec III. The session will comprehensively cover the technical specifications of the optical train, the mechanical assembly process, and the practical application of the instrument at the telescope. Participants will gain firsthand insights into both the engineering challenges and the solutions involved in bringing a fully automated, high-resolution spectrograph from a CAD model into the night sky.