Prof Gavin Dalton

Abstract:

We describe the integration and test phase of the construction of the VISTA Infrared Camera, a 64 Megapixel, 1.65 degree field of view 0.9-2.4 micron camera which will soon be operating at the cassegrain focus of the 4m VISTA telescope. The camera incorporates sixteen IR detectors and six CCD detectors which are used to provide autoguiding and wavefront sensing information to the VISTA telescope control system.

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.