A prototype of a microlensed hyperspectral imager for solar observations

Context . When spectropolarimetric data are recorded at high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution, the quality of is generally limited by signal-to-noise ratio. Aims We present a prototype an integral field spectrograph for solar observations. This overcomes limitations traditional instrumentation captures spectral information all points in given view without scanning, order to optimize efficiency minimize spatial crosstalk. Methods The was executed as plug-in TRIPPEL Swedish 1-meter Solar Telescope (SST) uses array microlenses shrink each image element, so that dark space created between. light then dispersed this space, allowing independent detection spatio-spectral element on 2D detector. Results built installed SST, yielding several good-quality sets. These sets were used determine imaging performance prototype. Conclusions Although instrument required high-accuracy optics, transparency found be about 25%, straylight properties typical spectrographic instruments.