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The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) Visible Spectro-Polarimeter (ViSP) is a traditional slit-scanning spectrograph with the ability to observe solar regions up to a 120 × 78 arcsec 2 area. The design implements dual-beam polarimetry, a polychromatic polarization modulator, a high-dispersion echelle grating, and three spectral channels that can be automatically positioned. A defining feature of the instrument is its capability to tune anywhere within the 380 – 900 nm range of the solar spectrum, allowing for a virtually infinite number of combinations of three wavelengths to be observed simultaneously. This enables the ViSP user to pursue well-established spectro-polarimetric studies of the magnetic structure and plasma dynamics of the solar atmosphere, as well as completely novel investigations of the solar spectrum. Within the suite of first-generation instruments at the DKIST, ViSP is the only wavelength-versatile spectro-polarimeter available to the scientific community. It was specifically designed as a discovery instrument to explore new spectroscopic and polarimetric diagnostics and test improved models of polarized line formation through high spatial-, spectral-, and temporal-resolution observations of the Sun's polarized spectrum. In this instrument article, we describe the science requirements and design drivers of ViSP and present preliminary science data collected during the commissioning of the instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the design of the Sunrise Filter Imager (SuFI) and the Image Stabilization and Light Distribution (ISLiD) unit onboard the Sunrise balloon borne solar observatory. This contribution provides the necessary information which is relevant to understand the instruments' working principles, the relevant technical data, and the necessary information about calibration issues directly related to the science data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first science flight of the balloon-borne Sunrise telescope took place in June 2009 from ESRANGE (near Kiruna/Sweden) to Somerset Island in northern Canada. We describe the scientific aims and mission concept of the project and give an overview and a description of the various hardware components: the 1-m main telescope with its postfocus science instruments (the UV filter imager SuFI and the imaging vector magnetograph IMaX) and support instruments (image stabilizing and light distribution system ISLiD and correlating wavefront sensor CWS), the optomechanical support structure and the instrument mounting concept, the gondola structure and the power, pointing, and telemetry systems, and the general electronics architecture. We also explain the optimization of the structural and thermal design of the complete payload. The preparations for the science flight are described, including AIV and ground calibration of the instruments. The course of events during the science flight is outlined, up to the recovery activities. Finally, the in-flight performance of the instrumentation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]