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We present the results of an experimental study of an advanced moderate-resolution spectrograph based on a cascade of narrow-band holographic gratings. The main goal of the project is to achieve a moderately high spectral resolutionwith R up to 5000 simultaneously in the 4300-6800 A visible spectral range on a single standard CCD, together with an increased throughput. The experimental study consisted of (1) resolution and image quality tests performed using the solar spectrum; and (2) a total throughput test performed for a number of wavelengths using a calibrated lab monochromator. The measured spectral resolving power reaches values over R>4000 while the experimental throughput is as high as 55%, which is in good agreement with the modeling results. Comparing the obtained characteristics of the spectrograph under consideration with the best existing spectrographs, we conclude that the used concept can be considered a very competitive and cheap alternative to the existing spectrographs of the given class. We propose several astrophysical applications for the instrument and discuss the prospect of creating its full-scale version., 22 pages, 7 figures

In order to increase the completeness of the investigations of stellar abundances, we can use spectrum synthesis method, new atomic data and observation of stellar spectra with resolution comparable to solar spectral atlases. We made a brief review of main problems of these three ways. We present new results of abundance determinations in the atmospheres of four stars. The first is the implementation of new atomic data to well known Przybylski`s star. We show that the number of spectral lines, which can be identificated in the spectrum of this star, can be significantly higher. The second example is the investigation of Cyg. We found the abundances of 51 elements in the atmosphere of this mild barium star. The third example is halo star HD221170. Our preliminary abundance pattern consists of 42 elements. The heaviest elements in this pattern are U and Th. The last star is the spectroscopic binary HD153720. The number of elements investigated in the spectra of components of this star is not large, but the results show that the components are Am-stars.