MOMOS
A seeing-limited multi-object spectrograph using MKIDs for noiseless, time-resolved spectroscopy of faint transients and variable sources.
Overview
MOMOS is a proposed visible-wavelength multi-object spectrometer where MKIDs replace both the cross-disperser grating and the detector array. This design enables noiseless post-observation rebinning of spectral resolution elements and time-resolved spectroscopy at R=3,500, neither of which is possible with conventional CCD-based spectrographs.
Because MKIDs measure each photon’s energy individually, the spectral resolution can be adjusted after the fact without discarding data — a capability unique to photon-counting energy-resolving detectors. Combined with zero read noise and zero dark current, MOMOS would enable observations of faint targets with unprecedented efficiency.
Simulator and Data Reduction Software
The MOMOS instrument simulator and data reduction package were published in:
Kim et al. 2025, Astronomical Journal (AJ).
This software enables detailed performance predictions and end-to-end simulation of MOMOS observations.
More details on the instrument concept coming soon.