In 2011 and 2012, CFHT undertook a small project to reduce all the ESPaDOnS data that had been taken over the first 3 years of ESPaDOnS, under Classical mode. Until then, only raw (unprocessed) data were available at CADC, and were then of limited use. Processed data are now available to any registered user from the CADC query pages for CFHT data.
The query can be made by instrument or target name, for example. Important information regarding the processed data available, their format, and the reduction can be found in the Processed classical ESPaDOnS data page.
CFHT started to use a new deep-depletion e2v device called Olapa in 2011A. Olapa has exquisite cosmetics and much less red fringing than EEV1. Another major difference is that the QE in the red is about twice as high as with EEV1. YOU GET TWICE A MUCH FLUX IN THE RED compared to EEV1, and even a bit more flux in the blue too! CFHT provides an Olapa Exposure Time Calculator.
This new ETC is based on the one for EEV1, which was created by JF Donati.
Since Semester 2008A, ESPaDOnS is offered in Queued Service Observing only. PIs who want to submit Proposals should consult the ESPaDOnS in QSO Mode web page.
Classical Observers (Semesters up to and including 2007B) can consult the ESPaDOnS in Classical Mode webpage.
Thanks to the new fibers and connectors intalled in June 2006, the efficiency of ESPaDOnS has increased, and the flux is higher. The throughput is now at the best level we have ever seen (the level of the commissioning period of late 2004).
The drop of efficiency was roughly 1.0mag for the period Jan-June 2005 total (with respect to the inital and best throughput values measured on the sky). Between June 2005 and February 2006, the spare spare fiber bundle has exhibiting a 0.4mag loss of flux (again with respect to the best throughput measured on the sky).
Please see the ESPaDOnS known technical issues page for more details.
Please note the following:
| BEFORE July 2005 (with the script real_time_esprit) |
invert the sign of V and Q the sign for U is OK |
| AFTER July 2005 (with the script libre_esprit or with Upena) |
invert the sign of U the signs for V and Q are OK |
Contemplating continuum polarization? Please consult the FAQ before you make any proposal. ESPaDOnS was not designed to do continuum polarization very well. See details on the Continuum Polarization page.
If you have any question or concern, please contact the Support Astronomer Nadine Manset (manset -=at=- cfht.hawaii.edu).