What is the advantage of the GEN2 2-position slit for a Sol'Ex instrument?
The primary advantage is having two slit widths on a single component. You can use the 10µm slit for brighter, general-purpose solar viewing and the 7µm slit for high-resolution studies, such as measuring magnetic fields, without needing to disassemble the instrument to swap slits.
Do I need to buy a separate holder for this Sol’Ex / SUNSCAN slit?
Yes, the slit is delivered without its 3D-printed support. You must fabricate the holder yourself. For Sol'Ex and SUNSCAN users, the necessary files and instructions are provided in the official instrument documentation. If you are using this for a custom project, you must design and create your own support.
How do I clean the GEN2 2-position slit?
The 2 mm thick glass substrate is relatively robust. You can safely clean both sides using a soft, absorbent cotton ball lightly moistened with water. This helps remove dust and residue without damaging the slit or the anti-reflection coating.
Which slit on the Sol'Ex / SUNSCAN GEN2 slit is better for measuring the Zeeman effect?
The narrower 7µm slit is designed for high-precision applications like measuring the Zeeman splitting of spectral lines. This requires higher spectral resolution to resolve the small wavelength shifts caused by solar magnetic fields, making the 7µm slit the ideal choice for this type of scientific work.
Can I use this slit to study the Fraunhofer lines in the solar spectrum with my custom spectrograph?
Absolutely. The slit's excellent transmission from 350 to 1000 nm covers the entire visible spectrum and beyond, making it perfect for studying the solar continuum and its many Fraunhofer absorption lines. You would need to design a compatible holder for your specific instrument.
Is the GEN2 2-position slit compatible with older Sol'Ex and SUNSCAN builds?
Yes, this is a compatible upgrade for existing Sol'Ex and SUNSCAN instruments. However, you will need to print the corresponding GEN2 holder for it, as the mount design may have changed from earlier versions. Always refer to the latest project documentation for the correct 3D printing files.