Papers
2
Total Citations
89
H-Index
2
About
Joe Zajac has been instrumental in advancing astronomical instrumentation, particularly through his work on the converted 6.5-meter MMT. His key research areas include wide-field optics, fiber-fed spectroscopy, and the development of high-performance observing systems. Zajac’s most notable contribution is the construction of Hectospec, a groundbreaking 300 optical fiber-fed spectrograph that uses a robotic positioner at the MMT’s f/5 focus. This instrument, detailed in his 1998 paper (64 citations), was the first wide-field tool deployed on the converted telescope, enabling simultaneous spectroscopy of hundreds of celestial targets. He also played a central role in commissioning the MMT’s wide-field f/5 focus, as described in his 2004 work (25 citations), which features a 1.7-meter secondary mirror and a large refractive corrector delivering a 1° field for spectroscopy and 0.5° for imaging. This system achieves stellar images under 0.5 arcseconds in excellent seeing, setting a new standard for ground-based observation. Zajac’s engineering and design efforts have directly enhanced the MMT’s capacity for large-scale surveys, cementing his legacy in modern optical astronomy.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2The 6.5-m MMT's f/5 wide-field optics and instruments25 citations · 2004