Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2004 · 25 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesAstronomyObservational AstronomyOptical AstronomySpectroscopyDetector TechnologyInfrared InstrumentationNear-infrared AstronomyObservatory InstrumentationSpace-based Infrared ObservatoriesTelescope OpticsFar-infrared Astronomy Of GalaxiesInfrared SpectrographsInfrared Spectroscopy Of GalaxiesMulti-object SpectroscopyOperable ShuttersPacked ArraysSpace-based Infrared TelescopesSpectroscopic Survey Design
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.