Taurus Tunable Filter
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[Introduction]  [News]  [Applying for time]  [Preparing for a run]  [Observing]  [General information]  [Post observing]  [Further information]

The Taurus Tunable Filter (TTF) is an astronomical instrument which allows monochromatic narrowband imaging over an arbitrary bandpass. It is being developed at the Anglo-Australian Observatory for use on the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) (at Siding Spring Observatory).

The TTF allows for narrowband imaging anywhere in the wavelength range 370 to 1000 nm through a bandpass that can be tuned to resolving powers of 100 to 1000. Below is a composite image of the Orion nebula from separate exposures taken with the TTF  at the AAT in 0.6" seeing. The colours (H-alpha,[NII],[SII]) highlight differences in fine structure for the three emission lines.

Image processing courtesy of S. Lee (AAO)

Articles in recent AAO newsletters provide more details about TTF and other TAURUS modes. Further information about the instrument is available below. Specific queries should be directed to Joss Bland-Hawthorn or Lucyna Kedziora-Chudczer (Anglo-Australian Observatory).

Introduction
Brief history & overview
Technical overview
Frequently asked questions

News
New TTF cookbook which covers what most astronomers care to know at the telescope
New Taurus manual (150 pages) which introduces the instrument and its various modes
Recent images  (out of date)

Applying for time
How to apply for telescope time to use TTF
Signal-to-noise  performance calculator
Proposal writing  and technical details you need to consider

An overview of what to expect when you come
Prior to arrival at the telescope
The first day at the telescope
The first night at the telescope

Preparing for an observing run
A new, improved cookbook .... start here
Camera focus
Plate parallelism to optimise TTF throughput
Measuring instrumental parameters
Setting the instrumental resolution

Observing
Starting exposures  including shuffle options
Wavelength calibration
Flux calibration
Typical observing night  including required calibrations

General Information
Filter transmission profiles
Atmospheric phenomena  and things to watch out for
Astrometric distortion
Aperture masks and how to make them
Recovering from a crash
On-line reduction tips
Really useful emergency web links

Post observing
Advanced reduction tips
Major reduction paper

Further information
At-a-glance Taurus control   via the Screen Management System (search for commands with ALT+F)
ADAM control system used by the Screen Management System
CCD characteristics / software control
Unresolved issues
TTF drift report   i.e. slew and temperature effects
Published papers on TTF and related topics (out of date)
Charge shuffling   i.e. micro command set, instrument sequencer
Technical information for site engineers