Dr Ian Lewis

Abstract:

In this paper we describe two coating and fabrication techniques we have developed applicable to astronomical instrumentation with particular emphasis on the FMOS instrument for the Subaru telescope.

Abstract:

The MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument is a second-generation integral-field spectrograph candidate for the VLT, operating in the visible and near IR wavelength range (0.465-0.93 μm). It is combining a large 1' × 1' Field of View with a spectral resolution of 3000 and a spatial resolution of 0.2" coupled to a sophisticated ground-layer Adaptive Optics (AO) system. After a brief summary of the major instrumental requirements, we will focus on the opto-mechanical design of MUSE, including core subsystems such as the Fore-Optics, the Image Slicers and the Spectrographs, the Structure and the Calibration Unit. The most creative trends of the instrument will be underlined, such as the specific choices adopted to reduce the costs, weight and volume of the Slicer and Spectrograph units, that need to be manufactured and installed on the VLT Nasmyth platform into twenty-four replicas. Finally, a realistic estimate of the expected performance (in both throughput and image quality), and the future development program for the forthcoming detailed design phase will be presented.

Abstract:

FMOS is a near-IR OH-suppressed multi-fibre fed spectrograph for the Subaru telescope. The spectrograph will accept 200 optical fibres from the ECHIDNA positioner system at the 30arcmin Prime focus of the telescope. We will describe the recent activities here in the UK in progressing the instrument from its conceptual phase through detailed design and into manufacture. A variety of technical areas will be described including: the opto-mechanical system design and construction, development of the HAWAH-II detector control system, the thermal system design & control and OH suppression techniques.