MOIRCS Filters

Available Filters

The following table lists the broad-band filters currently installed in MOIRCS, together with their estimated sensitivities. The transmission curves of each filter are from the data sheets supplied by the company. Estimated sensitivities listed are for a 5 sigma detection in 1 hour of integration, assuming good (0.5'') seeing and a moderately dark sky (Please see the Exposures page) . Point sources are measured in a 1.0'' diameter aperture. Extended source sensitivities are per pixel.

Broad-Band Filters

Filter Wavelength [um] Sensitivity (Vega magnitude) mag for
1 e-/s
Name Plot List Centre Width [mag] [mag/pixel]
Y(2) 1.02 0.10 24.8 27.0 26.4
J 1.26 0.17 23.6 25.9 26.0
H 1.64 0.28 22.5 24.8 26.2
Ks(1) 2.15 0.31 22.6 24.8 25.5
K (3) 2.20 0.40 --- --- ---

    Notes:

    1. We replaced the Ks filter to the "fringe-free" type in July 2008. It is the same one used as "Ks_wedge" during S08A as a test. The transimission curve is approximately similar to the old one, with slightly higher throughput. We will measure the sensitivity soon (values on the table is still for the old Ks filter). Transmission curve of the old Ks filter can be found here (jpg, text).

    2. The turret position of Y-band filter was changed in July 2008.

    3. Though the main purpose of the standard (Johnson) K filter is the order sorting of R1300 grism, it is also available for imaging. The filter, however, cannot take the dome-flat data, because the thermal emission from dome itself is too bright.

The Imaging Exposure Time Calculator is available. Please note that the Imaging ETC underestimates the entire overhead time, as it does not consider the time for generating fits, dithering, coadding, dummyread option, etc. You can instead calculate the accurate overhead time using the overhead calculator (Excel format). It is available in the "Guide to Imaging Exposure Times" page.


Narrow-Band Filters

Some narrow-band filters are available for imaging observation. The central wavelength(CW) and the bandwidth (BW: defined by FWHM) are tabulated below. The peak transmittance of these NB filters are all roughly 80 to 90%.

Narrow-Band Filters

Filter Wavelength [um]
Name Plot List Centre Width
NB119 1.1885 0.0141
NB1550(note) 1.550 0.018
[Fe II] 1.6444 0.026
NB2095(note) 2.095 0.025
H2v=1-0 2.116 0.021
K-continuum (channel 1) 2.2379 0.064
K-continuum (channel 2) 2.2567 0.061
CO(note) 2.2881 0.023
Note: These filters are the opened user filters. Please see the website for use.

The actual value of the CW for these filters will slightly shift across the field of view, because the transmission curve moves as a function of the angle of incidence. The CWs described above are all the value at the center of the optics; i.e. around the center of each channel. If you need more information about the detail, please contact to the Support Astronomer.

Note that the background level of NB119 filter is very dark. Minimum exposure of ~30 minutes is sometimes required to reach the background-limited case. Sky subtraction is generally difficult due to the change of the background.


User Filters

We are accepting the user filters since S07A. The detail and the user filter policy can be found in the User Filter Policy page. Unfortunately, the number of vacant turret slot is very limited (no slot for now).


Please note that all data on these pages are subject to change as the evaluation of the performance of MOIRCS progresses.

Updated 2010-02-25


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