Advanced Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer for Planetary Studies

The ultraviolet spectral range is rich with key information that can be utilized to study a variety of scientific targets such as planetary atmospheres, satellites, and primitive bodies. This spectral region is particularly important for sensing the tenuous atmospheres produced by outgassing and internal activity, as well as for probing surface composition. Spectra of active comet-like asteroids can include diagnostic atomic lines (e. g., H, C, O, N, S) and molecular bands (e. g., N₂, OH, CO₂, CO, C₂). Surface reflectance spectra in the UV to visible range can characterize absorption due to solids such as H₂O, CO₂, SO₂, and other ices, characterize the red spectral slope typical of organics, and enable detection of electronic absorption features due to iron oxides, organics, and other compounds.
Ultraviolet spectrum is significantly challenging for all aspects of dispersion, imaging, and detection. Using 2D doped detectors developed at JPL plus the electron-beam fabricated convex gratings (flow scattering loss and high efficiency) a high throughput and compact UV imaging spectrometer has been developed. We will discuss the design, results, and application of this advanced UV spectrometer.