Science with DL-NIRSP

DL-NIRSP has been designed to address a range of scientific problems, many of which are outlined in the DKIST Science Requirements Document. Science use cases targeted specifically by DL-NIRSP include the following:

  • Flux tube magnetic structure (SRD 3.1.4)
  • Turbulent magnetic fields (SRD 3.15)
  • Magnetoconvection in Sunspots (SRD 3.17)
  • Chromospheric heating (SRD 3.2.2)
  • Spicule dynamics and magnetism (SRD 3.2.3)
  • Prominence formation (SRD 3.2.4)
  • Coronal magnetic field structure
  • Coronal velocity and density in loops (SRD 3.2.7)
  • Coronal Intensity fluctuations (SRD 3.2.8)
  • Dynamo processes (SRD 3.3.1)

Filter Selection and the DL-NIRSP List of Spectral Lines of Interest

While DL-NIRSP can in principle cover any spectral line between 500 and 1700 nm, to use the full capability of the integral field spectrograph, two custom filters are required. The initial library of filters available for DL-NIRSP observations is subject to project approval and budgetary constraints.

Input from the Science Working Group on filter selection and prioritization is welcomed!

The spectral lines of interest currently include those listed in the table below. Note that DL-NIRSP will likely only support a limited subset of these lines at first light.