1. The Nearby Supernovae Factory: Spectrograph Calibration Ben Dilday Advisor: Rick Kessler, CfCP Physics 335 Autumn 2003

2. Nearby Supernovae Factory: Purpose Low-z data for the Hubble diagram (distance vs. redshift) –1. Systematics Determine peak luminosity of supernova as function of light curve parameters –Width squared –Spectral features at peak luminosity –Metalicity –Host galaxy type –2. Statistics Reduce statistical uncertainty by factor of 2 –Ultimately results in more accurate determination of properties of dark energy

3. Nearby Supernovae Factory: Procedure Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) data combed for low-z (.03 < z <.08) supernovae candidates (operating for ~ 1 year) Follow up with Supernova Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) on University of Hawaii 2.2 meter telescope (begins 2004) Measure light curve for type I a supernovae at each epoch (every few days)

4. Experimental Details SNIFS calibration 1. Standard stars –Only possible on photometric nights 2. Blackbody source inside telescope dome –Stability of blackbody checked by measuring relative intensity of different wavelengths with a set of pin diodes –Pin diodes placed on top of secondary mirror at U. of Hawaii 2.2 meter Mauna Kea Observatories, Hawaii http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/maunakea.htm

5. Physics 335 Project Objectives Construct pin diode and filter wheel apparatus –Pin diodes and filter wheel casing Casing must have capability to open and close via remote operation Design moveable roof Develop user friendly software for roof operation –Testing of roof motor and interface Install on the telescope for beginning of data taking –Develop algorithm and software connecting observations to calibration information –Apply to forthcoming observations

6. References http://snfactory.lbl.gov/