Next Generation Spectral Library


Using the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), we have begun collecting a library of stellar spectra for use in synthesizing galaxy spectra. In Cycles 10 and 12, the project was awarded 300 and 450 snapshots to obtain spectra of bright stars. The spectra cover the wavelength range 1660Å to 10200Å using the low dispersion gratings of STIS: G230LB, G430L, and G750L.

The goal is to amass a library of 600 stellar spectra covering all temperatures and luminosities, with roughly 150 stars in each of four metallicity ranges:

-2.0 < [Fe/H] < -1.5

-1.3 < [Fe/H] < -0.5

-0.3 < [Fe/H] < +0.1

and

[Fe/H] > +0.2.


Observations began in September of 2001, during Cycle 10 of HST and more data are being taken in Cycle 12. There are now about 250 stars and counting, mainly in the solar abundance and most metal poor samples because these were targeted exclusively in Cycle 10. As more data come in during Cycle 12, more stars in the other groups will be observed. This will be the most comprehensive empirical stellar spectral library ever produced.

We have proposed to continue the program in Cycle 13. Another allotment of 450 snapshots would complete the bulk of data collection. We also plan to augment the library with appropriate spectra from the HST archive.

Here is a color-magnitude diagram showing the distribution in the V-I vs. Mv plane of approximately 250 stars observed as of January, 2004 (circled) and additional targets not yet observed (dots) in each of the four metallicity groups.

This plot compares the spectra of two early K giants, one solar abundance, the other having [Fe/H]=-1.8. The difference in line blanketing, especially in the ultraviolet, is great, underscoring the need for a multi-abundance library to perform realistic spectral modeling of galaxies where a spread in abundance is present.

Although we are making the preliminary reduced spectra available, they have two shortcomings, which we are intent on addressing in the immediate future:

1) The first is an improved calibration for the E1 aperture where all of our data were taken (E1 is near the end of slit, and the edge of the CCD, a location which minimizes charge transfer losses). During Cycle 11, standard star calibration data were taken at E1 and this new, improved flux calibration should be made available by STScI real soon now, we hope. Our reduction procedure includes a step which we believe removes much of any difference between E1 and the central STIS slit flux calibration, but once the official calibration is available, we will begin using it.

2) In the G230LB mode, covering 1670Å to 2900Å, STIS has a problem with red scattered light, much the same as the now-retired Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS). The STIS CCD is very sensitive to these red photons, and the scattered light contamination is particularly significant for the reddest stars. While simple fixes take care of the problem at the 50% to 90% level, this is hardly better than zero-ing out the fluxes shortward of 2000Å for the reddest stars. We are working on an empirical model to better remove the scattered light.

A final caveat is that we are as yet making no correction for reddening. Most of the stars are relatively nearby and so have small reddenings, but this is an issue which will be addressed in detail as the library develops and after we overcome the above two limitations.


Data Availability


We are close to an initial release of data, but there are still some technical problems being sorted out, mainly with flux calibration issues, especially shortward of 2000Å and how best to splice the different gratings together. We also hope to get community feedback on the distribution format and web pages. Watch this space for updates. Here is a table listing the Cycle 10 observed targets. Information about available spectra and download formats can be obtained here .


Extension to Other Wavelengths and Resolutions


Observations using the SpeX instrument at the Infrared Telescope Facility are being used to extend the spectra to 2.5µ m, at comparable resolution to STIS.

We also have a program to obtain high signal-to-noise, echelle resolution spectra of the program stars using UVES on the ESO VLT.

Both the IR and echelle data will be added to the library in time. The echelle data will be used to check and correct the atmospheric parameters of the stars so that eventually they will all be on the same, consistent system.

Another goal is to extend the library into the far-UV using STIS archival data.

Using the STIS library as a basis, our ultimate intent is to devise interpolation schemes to extract semi-empirical spectra of arbitrary atmospheric parameters. To do this in a robust fashion, we will need at least 600 stars to adequately cover abundance-luminosity-color space.



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UCD Physics Dept.
Cosmology Research Group
Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Last modified February, 2004
Please report any problems or comments to:

gregg@igpp.ucllnl.org