Confocal image slicer

Abstract

A confocal image slicer for use in high-resolution spectrography in astrophysics is presented. The deviceimproves the light transmission of a high-resolution spectrograph by an (unprecedented) order of magnitude. The production of a prototype is described, and the first astronomical results obtained with the Anglo-Australian Telescope are presented. The confocal image slicer is being patented and may find useful applications in existing high-resolution spectrographs and in similar instruments planned for the new generation of very large astronomical telescopes.