A multiline spectrometer for the analysis of solar atmospheric oscillations and flows at the VTT, Tenerife

Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik, Schöneckstrasse 6, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
e-mail: joe@kis.uni-freiburg.de

Received: 16 June 2011
Accepted: 15 September 2011

Abstract

Context. Despite longstanding observational efforts, the origins of the chromospheric temperature rise and the coronal heating are still not well understood. There is reason to believe that the limitations of existing observational devices might be contributing to this lack of experimental evidence.

Aims. We intended to develop a multiline spectrometer capable of observing velocity fields simultaneously at more height levels of the solar atmosphere than previously possible. System design and handling would be optimized for the 3D-analysis of atmospheric waves and flows.

Methods. The number of optical components was kept to a minimum in order to achieve high optical throughput and short scanning times. A new type of bandpass preselection unit was developed. We successfully tested this Fabry-Perot based multiline device at the Vacuum Tower Telescope (VTT).

Results. During a proof-of-concept run we were able to observe 16 spectral lines at a cadence of 60 s sustained over several hours. The field of view was 100-by-100 arcsecs. Multiple diagnostic diagrams from closely spaced height levels were derived.

Conclusions. A new instrument of this type will be installed permantently at the VTT. We expect to be able to collect new 3D-information about atmospheric waves and flows.