Final tests and commissioning of the UCL echelle spectrograph

The optical design and performance of the UCLES echelle spectrograph, installed at the f/37.7 coude focus of the 3.9-m AAT in June 1988, are described and illustrated with extensive diagrams, drawings, photographs, and sample spectra. The UCLES operates at 300-1100 nm with resolution 30,000-115,000 and adjustable collimated beam size; it employs either 31.6-g/mm or 79-g/mm echelle gratings and a train of UV-transmitting fused-silica prisms for cross-dispersion. Also discussed are the focal modifier lenses; the Bowen-Walraven image slicer; the commissioning procedures; and preliminary observations of Zeta Oph, planetary nebulae, and Seyfert galaxies.