Volume-phase holographic gratings and their potential for astronomical applications

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• Arns, James A.
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• Colburn, Willis S.

Abstract

A diffraction grating technology based upon volume-phase holograms shows promise of enhanced performance for many applications in astronomical spectroscopy over classical surface-relief grating technology. We present a discussion of the underlying physics of a volume-phase grating, give some theoretical performance characteristics, present performance data for a real volume-phase grating, and discuss some potential applications for this grating technology.