MOIRCS Filters

Broadband 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) magnitude for
1 e-/s [1 ADU/s] for ch2
Name Plot List Centre Width [mag] [mag/pixel]
Y 1.02 0.10 24.6 26.8 26.30 [24.99]
J 1.26 0.17 24.0 26.1 26.55 [25.24]
H 1.64 0.28 23.2 25.4 26.71 [25.40]
Ks 2.15 0.31 22.8 25.0 26.08 [24.77]
K 2.20 0.40 --- --- ---

    Notes:

  • All of our standard YJHKs filters were replaced to "fringe-free" type (wedged substrates are used) by August 2009. The Ks filter was replaced in July 2008. It is the same one used as "Ks_wedge" during S08A as a test. The J & H filters were replaced in July 2009. The transimission curves are approximately similar to the old one, but with slightly higher throughput. The transmission curves of old filters can be found here (J [img, txt], H [img, txt], Ks [img, txt]).

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

  • Though the main purpose of the standard (Johnson) K filter is the order sorting of R1300 grism, it is also available for imaging. Please contact SA if you plan to use the filter for imaging observation.

The Imaging Exposure Time Calculator is available. Please note that the total observation time calculated by it is just the approximate value, as it does not treat the time for dithering and coadding appropriately. You can instead calculate the accurate overhead time using our overhead calculator (Excel format). It is available in the "Guide to Imaging Exposure Times" page.



Narrow-Band Filters

The company-provided central wavelength (CW) and bandwidth (BW: defined by FWHM) are tabulated below. Peak transmittance are around 80 to 90%.

Narrow-Band Filters

Filter Wavelength [um]
Name Plot List Centre Width
NB119 na na 1.1885 0.0141
NB1550(note) 1.549 (ch1)
1.551 (ch2)
0.017 (ch1)
0.019 (ch2)
[Fe II] 1.644 (ch1)
1.645 (ch2)
0.027
NB2095(note) 2.095 0.025
H2v=1-0 na na 2.116 0.021
BrG 2.163 0.025
K-continuum na na 2.2379 (ch1)
2.2567 (ch2)
0.064 (ch1)
0.061 (ch2)
CO(note) 2.294 (ch1)
2.299 (ch2)
0.023
Note: They are originally private filters. Please read the policy for use.

    Important!
    The actual CW for these filters will shift across the field of view significantly, as it is the function of the angle of incidence (AOI). As the filters are put on the collemated beam, the AOI will change from 0 (pointing center) to 11 deg (fartherst edge), causing the maximum shift of e.g. -0.016 um at 2.3 um. Below is the example of the calculated shift for BrG filter case.


    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.



ND filter

A ND filter is available mainly for Ks-band dome flat acquisition (from S11A). It can also be used for JHK observation of bright standard stars with limited accuracy. For more detail, ask the SA.


Filter Attenuation Factor (temporal)
channel 1channel 2
Y --- 5.752
J --- 6.004
H --- 5.524
Ks --- 4.511

Note: values are based on the counts of dome flats with and without the ND filter (measured Oct 2010).



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 vacant turret slot is not available for now.




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

Updated 2011-11-10


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