Scientific requirements for a European ELT
Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering 6267 II (2006)
Abstract:
The science case for the next generation of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) covers a huge range of astronomical topics and requires a wide range of capabilities. Here we describe top-level requirements on an ELT, which were derived from some of the key science cases identified by European astronomers. After a brief summary of these science cases we discuss the requirements on the ELT system in terms of several parameters, including wavelength range, field of view, image quality etc. We discuss the science driver that sets the limits on each parameter. We also discuss specific requirements on instrumentation, site and adaptive optics. In several cases, detailed simulated observations will be required in order to set the requirements. While the example science cases provide a useful guide, we also note that an important goal is to develop a facility that covers a broad parameter space, and maintains flexibility in order to adapt to new scientific directions.Galaxy clusters at 0.6 < z < 1.4 in the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey Early Data Release
(2006)
A Time Delay for the Largest Gravitationally Lensed Quasar: SDSS J1004+4112
(2006)
A multi-object multi-field spectrometer and imager for a European ELT
Proceedings of SPIE--the International Society for Optical Engineering SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics 6269 (2006) 62692v-62692v-9
ELT instrument concepts: impact on telescope and adaptive optics design
Proceedings of SPIE--the International Society for Optical Engineering SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics 6269 (2006) 62691r-62691r-13