Application Of Optical Fibres To Astronomical Instrumentation

Optical fibres are already being used in routine applications for multi-object spectroscopyl,2,3 and remote instrument feeds4,5. Although astronomers using these systems have found obvious advantages in their use, there are conflicting reports on the transmission efficiencies and focal ratio preservation properties of the various fibres available. The whole issue is complicated by the large number of fibre manufacturers, the great variety of fibres produced by them and the frequent change in the availability of particular fibres as manufacturers "improve" or rationalize their range of products. The author has attempted to choose the fibres most suitable for astronomy and to measure the properties of those fibres relevant to their use with astronomical instruments.