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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Shelyak Thorium-Argon Lamp for Shelyak Spectrographs

Shelyak Thorium-Argon Lamp for Shelyak Spectrographs

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-EL0037
$1,060.00 - $1,060.00
$1,060.00
$1,060.00 - $1,060.00
$1,060.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Element Composition: Thorium-Argon (ThAr)
  • Lamp Type: Hollow Cathode Lamp (HCL)
  • Primary Application: High-resolution spectrograph calibration
  • Designed For: Shelyak eShel and Whoppshel spectrographs
  • Output: Dense, well-defined emission lines across the spectrum
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  • Description
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  • Thorium-Argon Lamp for Shelyak Spectrographs

    This Thorium-Argon (ThAr) hollow cathode lamp is the reference calibration source for Shelyak's high-resolution eShel and Whoppshel spectrographs. It is engineered to produce a rich spectrum of sharp, distinct emission lines, providing the necessary data points for an exceptionally precise wavelength calibration across the entire visible spectrum. This component is the replacement bulb for the eShel calibration module, enabling you to maintain the scientific accuracy of your spectroscopic observations.

    A High-Density Emission Line Source for Echelle Calibration

    The accuracy of any spectrograph is fundamentally limited by the quality of its wavelength calibration. Thorium-Argon is the standard for professional instruments because it provides thousands of well-characterized emission lines. For an echelle spectrograph, which spreads light into multiple overlapping orders, this density of lines is critical for correctly identifying wavelengths and achieving sub-Angstrom accuracy.

    Using this ThAr lamp, you can create a master calibration frame that maps the unique optical path of your system. This allows the instrument software to precisely assign a wavelength to every pixel on the sensor, transforming raw data into a scientifically valid spectrum for radial velocity studies, stellar classification, and chemical composition analysis.

    Replacement Bulb: Essential System Requirements

    This product is the Thorium-Argon hollow cathode lamp bulb only. It is intended as a direct replacement for a depleted or damaged lamp within an existing Shelyak eShel calibration unit or for custom-built spectroscopic systems. It is not a standalone device and requires specific external hardware to operate.

    To power the lamp and excite the gas to produce its characteristic spectrum, you must have a compatible high-voltage power supply and the appropriate interface cable. These components are part of the complete eShel calibration module but are not included with this replacement bulb. Please ensure your existing power supply and connections are in working order before purchasing.

  • What is this Thorium-Argon lamp used for in astronomy?

    The Thorium-Argon lamp is a calibration light source. It produces a very dense and well-known pattern of emission lines. By taking a spectrum of the lamp, astronomers can create a precise map of wavelengths onto the camera's sensor pixels, which is essential for analyzing the spectra of stars and other celestial objects accurately.

    Is this a complete, ready-to-use calibration unit?

    No. This is the replacement bulb only. It is a component that requires a separate high-voltage power supply and an interface cable to operate. It is designed to be installed into a device like the Shelyak eShel calibration module.

    How do I use the Thorium-Argon lamp to calibrate my eShel spectrograph?

    The lamp is installed in the eShel calibration module, which feeds the light into the spectrograph via a fiber optic cable. You will take a dedicated calibration exposure of the lamp's spectrum. Using software like Demetra, this known ThAr spectrum is compared to your image to create a precise wavelength solution for all subsequent scientific observations.

    Why is Thorium-Argon the standard for the Shelyak Thorium-Argon lamp?

    Thorium-Argon is the professional standard for high-resolution spectroscopy for two main reasons. First, it produces an extremely high density of emission lines across the visible spectrum. Second, these lines are very sharp and their wavelengths are known to an extremely high degree of accuracy, making the Shelyak Thorium-Argon lamp an ideal reference source.

    What telescope is this Thorium-Argon lamp and eShel system best suited for?

    The eShel system, for which this Thorium-Argon lamp is a component, is typically used with Schmidt-Cassegrain or Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes in the 8" to 14" aperture range. The system is optimized for telescopes with focal ratios around f/10, though it can be adapted to others. The goal is to achieve sufficient light grasp to record high-resolution spectra of moderately bright stars.

    What do I need to power this Thorium-Argon lamp?

    You will need a specific high-voltage power supply designed for hollow cathode lamps, as well as the correct interface cable. These items are not included with the bulb. This lamp is intended as a direct replacement for the one included in the complete Shelyak eShel calibration module, which already contains the necessary power electronics.

  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty