Microshutters Arrays for the JWST Near Infrared Spectrograph
نویسندگان
چکیده
The Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a multi-object spectrograph operating in the 0.6-5.0 μm spectral range. One of the primary scientific objectives of this instrument is to measure the number and density evolution of galaxies following the epoch of initial formation. NIRSpec is designed to allow simultaneous observation of a large number of sources, vastly increasing the capability of JWST to carry out its objectives. A critical element of the instrument is the programmable field selector, the Microshutter Array. The system consists of four 175 x 384 close packed arrays of individually operable shutters, each element subtending 0.2” x 0.4”on the sky. This device allows simultaneous selection of over 200 candidates for study over the 3.6’ x 3.6’ field of the NIRSpec, dramatically increasing its efficiency for a wide range of investigations. Here, we describe the development, production, and test of this critical element of the NIRSpec.
منابع مشابه
Calibration concept for the JWST Near - infrared Spectrograph ( NIRSpec )
This document provides a discussion of the basic calibration needs and calibration time consumption for the Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on JWST. The current version assumes that slits for multi object spectroscopy will be formed via a microelectromechanical system and that NIRSpec will carry internal continuum and line lamps.
متن کاملThroughput & image quality of a MEMS spectrograph — 1 — Calibration concept for the JWST Near - infrared Spectrograph ( NIRSpec ) ST - ECF Instrument
This document provides a discussion of the basic calibration needs and calibration time consumption for the Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on JWST. The current version assumes that slits for multi object spectroscopy will be formed via a microelectromechanical system and that NIRSpec will carry internal continuum and line lamps.
متن کاملImage registration for stability testing of MEMS
Image registration, or alignment of two or more images covering the same scenes or objects, is of great interest in many disciplines such as remote sensing, medical imaging, astronomy, and computer vision. In this paper, we introduce a new application of image registration algorithms. We demonstrate how through a wavelet based image registration algorithm, engineers can evaluate stability of Mi...
متن کاملThe James Webb Space Telescope
The scientific capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) fall into four themes. The End of the Dark Ages: First Light and Reionization theme seeks to identify the first luminous sources to form and to determine the ionization history of the universe. The Assembly of Galaxies theme seeks to determine how galaxies and the dark matter, gas, stars, metals, morphological structures, and ...
متن کاملNIRCam: Development and Testing of the JWST Near-Infrared Camera
The Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) is one of the four science instruments of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Its high sensitivity, high spatial resolution images over the 0.6 − 5 μm wavelength region will be essential for making significant findings in many science areas as well as for aligning the JWST primary mirror segments and telescope. The NIRCam engineering test unit was recently a...
متن کامل