Second Author - Monochromator Validation of SCALES: A 2-5 Micron Coronagraphic Integral Field Spectrograph for Keck Observatory

Worked with Dr. Steph Sallum on the optical calibration of SCALES (Slicer Combined with an Array of Lenslets for Exoplanet Spectroscopy), a next-gen coronagraphic integral field spectrograph (IFS) operating in the 2–5 μm thermal infrared, designed for direct imaging of cold exoplanets and substellar objects at Keck Observatory. •Led wavelength calibration of SCALES’ onboard monochromator using a McPherson Model 207, validating against the Keck K-prime filter to ensure sub-nanometer spectral alignment across the thermal IR band. •Developed an experimental pipeline integrating a ThorLabs PM400 + S184C sensor on an optically isolated bench, enabling stable, high-SNR power readings across 1800–2500 nm. •Applied chi-squared residual analysis and transmission ratio normalization to detect and correct systematic wavelength offsets and stray light artifacts, ensuring SCALES meets its spectral fidelity requirements. •Calibration efforts supported the instrument’s ability to detect molecular absorption features in cold, low-luminosity exoplanet atmospheres, working to identify water, methane, and thermal structures in GAIA follow-up targets.