Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm for multi-object spectroscopic surveys

Tempel, E.; Norberg, P.; Tuvikene, T.; Bensby, T.; Chiappini, C.; Christlieb, N.; Cioni, M.-R.L.; Comparat, J.; Davies, L.J.M.; Guiglion, G.; Koch, A.; Kordopatis, G.; Krumpe, M.; Loveday, J.; Merloni, A.; Micheva, G.; Minchev, I.; Roukema, B.F.; Sorce, J.G.; Starkenburg, E.; Storm, J.; Swann, E.; Thi, W.F.; Traven, G.; de Jong, R.S.

Probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm for multi-object spectroscopic surveys Thumbnail


Authors

E. Tempel

T. Tuvikene

T. Bensby

C. Chiappini

N. Christlieb

M.-R.L. Cioni

J. Comparat

L.J.M. Davies

G. Guiglion

A. Koch

G. Kordopatis

M. Krumpe

J. Loveday

A. Merloni

G. Micheva

I. Minchev

B.F. Roukema

J.G. Sorce

E. Starkenburg

J. Storm

E. Swann

W.F. Thi

G. Traven

R.S. de Jong



Abstract

Context. Several new multi-object spectrographs are currently planned or under construction that are capable of observing thousands of Galactic and extragalactic objects simultaneously. Aims. In this paper we present a probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm that takes spectrograph targeting constraints into account and is capable of dealing with multiple concurrent surveys. We present this algorithm using the 4-m Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST) as an example. Methods. The key idea of the proposed algorithm is to assign probabilities to fibre-target pairs. The assignment of probabilities takes the fibre positioner’s capabilities and constraints into account. Additionally, these probabilities include requirements from surveys and take the required exposure time, number density variation, and angular clustering of targets across each survey into account. The main advantage of a probabilistic approach is that it allows for accurate and easy computation of the target selection function for the different surveys, which involves determining the probability of observing a target, given an input catalogue. Results. The probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment allows us to achieve maximally uniform completeness within a single field of view. The proposed algorithm maximises the fraction of successfully observed targets whilst minimising the selection bias as a function of exposure time. In the case of several concurrent surveys, the algorithm maximally satisfies the scientific requirements of each survey and no specific survey is penalised or prioritised. Conclusions. The algorithm presented is a proposed solution for the 4MOST project that allows for an unbiased targeting of many simultaneous surveys. With some modifications, the algorithm may also be applied to other multi-object spectroscopic surveys.

Citation

Tempel, E., Norberg, P., Tuvikene, T., Bensby, T., Chiappini, C., Christlieb, N., …de Jong, R. (2020). Probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm for multi-object spectroscopic surveys. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 635, Article A101. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201937228

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2020
Online Publication Date Mar 16, 2020
Publication Date Mar 31, 2020
Deposit Date Apr 17, 2020
Publicly Available Date Apr 17, 2020
Journal Astronomy and astrophysics.
Print ISSN 0004-6361
Electronic ISSN 1432-0746
Publisher EDP Sciences
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 635
Article Number A101
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201937228

Files

Published Journal Article (4.5 Mb)
PDF

Copyright Statement
Tempel, E., Norberg, P., Tuvikene, T., Bensby, T., Chiappini, C., Christlieb, N., Cioni, M.-R. L., Comparat, J., Davies, L. J. M., Guiglion, G., Koch, A., Kordopatis, G., Krumpe, M., Loveday, J., Merloni, A., Micheva, G., Minchev, I., Roukema, B. F., Sorce, J. G., Starkenburg, E., Storm, J., Swann, E., Thi, W. F., Traven, G. & de Jong, R. S. (2020). Probabilistic fibre-to-target assignment algorithm for multi-object spectroscopic surveys. Astronomy & Astrophysics 635: A101 reproduced with permission, © ESO.





You might also like



Downloadable Citations