Dr Ian Lewis

Abstract:

We describe the build phase of the UK FMOS spectrograph, a 200 fibre cooled OH Suppression infrared spectrograph being constructed as part of Subaru's Fibre Multi Object Spectroscopy facility. Here we describe recent UK activities within the FMOS programme and the likely schedule for commissioning at Subaru.

Abstract:

We describe the design of a 2nd generation instrument for the ESO VLT which uses 24 cryogenic pickoff arms linked to diamond-machined image slicing integral field units to deliver a unique multiple deployable integral field capability in the near-infrared (1-2.5 mu m). The science requirements for the instrument are presented and linked to the functional specification. The baseline instrument concept is described with emphasis on technological innovations. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

We have demonstrated the first near-infrared multi-object spectrograph, CIRPASS, on the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope (WHT) and the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian Telescope. We have conducted an H survey of 38 0.77 < z < 1 galaxies over ∼100 arcmin2 of the Hubble Deep Field North and Flanking Fields, to determine star formation rates (SFRs) using CIRPASS on the WHT. This represents the first successful application of this technique to observing high redshift galaxies (Doherty et al. 2004). Stacking the spectra in the rest-frame, we find a lower limit (uncorrected for dust reddening) on the star formation rate density at redshift z = 1 of 0.04 M yr1 Mpc 3 (Doherty et al. 2006). This implies rapid evolution in the star formation rate density from z = 0 to z = 1 which is proportional to (1 + z) 3.1. We intend to extend our work with FMOS on Subaru as the evolSMURF project (the Evolution of Star-formation and Metallicity in the Universe at high Redshift with FMOS). This will represent nearly two orders-of-magnitude improvement on previous work, and for the first time will provide a sample of sufficient size to measure accurately the H luminosity function, and so determine the global star formation rate using the same indicator as used in local surveys. Using [O II]3727 , H, [O III] 5007 and H redshifted into the z, J & H bands, we can chart the star formation history over 70% of the age of the Universe, affording complete coverage up to z = 1.6 with the same well-understood diagnostics. The line ratios will also allow the extinction and metallicity to be measured at z>1. This will resolve one of the long-standing puzzles in extragalactic astrophysics the true evolution of the Madau-Lilly diagram of star formation density. © 2007 International Astronomical Union.

Abstract:

We have conducted an Hα survey of 38 0.77 < z < 1 galaxies over ∼100arcmin2 of the Hubble Deep Field-North and Flanking Fields, to determine star formation rates (SFRs), with the near-IR multi-object spectrograph Cambridge Infrared Panoramic Survey Spectrograph (CIRPASS) on the William Herschel Telescope (WHT). This represents the first successful application of this technique to observing high-redshift galaxies. Stacking the spectra in the rest frame to infer a total SFR for the field, we find a lower limit (uncorrected for dust reddening) on the SFR density at redshift z = 1 of 0.04 M⊙ yr-1 Mpc-3. This implies rapid evolution in the SFR density from z = 0 to 1 which is proportional to (1+ z)3.1 © 2006 RAS.

Abstract:

KMOS is a near-infrared multi-object integral field spectrometer which has been selected as one of a suite of second-generation instruments to be constructed for the ESO VLT in Chile. The instrument will be built by a consortium of UK and German institutes working in partnership with ESO and is currently at the end of its preliminary design phase. We present the design status of KMOS and discuss the most novel technical aspects and the compliance with the technical specification.