Search

The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a second-generation VLT panoramic integral-field spectrograph currently in manufacturing, assembly and integration phase. MUSE has a field of 1x1 arcmin2 sampled at 0.2x0.2 arcsec2 and is assisted by the VLT ground layer adaptive optics ESO facility using four laser guide stars. The instrument is a large assembly of 24 identical high performance integral field units, each one composed of an advanced image slicer, a spectrograph and a 4kx4k detector. In this paper we review the progress of the manufacturing and report the performance achieved with the first integral field unit., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures

This poster paper presents the analysis, the design, and a first prototype of the Optimized Slits Positioner Software, a part of the EMIR Observing Program Manager System (EOPMS). EMIR is a multi-slit near-IR spectrograph presently under development for the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC). This tool represents a crucial step for the success and efficiency of multi-object spectroscopy. Complex algorithms have been implemented to help the observer in designing and validating the mask sets, both automatically and interactively, through a user-friendly interface.

We present in this poster paper the Science Simulation aspects of the EMIR Observing Program Manager System (EOPMS). EMIR is a multi-slit near-IR spectrograph presently under development for the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC). We present the scientific functionalities of the EOPMS and its ability to provide the user with the required information during the different observing phases. The exposure time calculator (ETC) and the Image Simulator (IS) will be described, focusing on some unique capabilities with respect to the presently available tools, such as the possibility of 2D spectra simulation and realistic 1D extraction.

EMIR (Espectrgrafo Multiobjeto Infrarrojo) is a wide-field, near-infrared, multi-object spectrograph, with image capabilities, which will be located at the Nasmyth focus of GTC (Gran Telescopio Canarias). It will allow observers to obtain many intermediate resolution spectra simultaneously, in the nIR bands Z, J, H, K. A multi-slit mask unit will be used for target acquisition. This paper shows an overview of the EMIR software. Its architecture is distributed with real time features, having in mind to build a reusable, maintainable and inexpensive system. In this paper, we outline the main performances of the current design and some examples already implemented are given.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Fifteen participants are due to take part in an international comparison of cryogenic radiometers to be organized by the BIPM. The comparison will be made using trap detectors as transfer instruments. The analysis of the performance of the trap detectors when used with cryogenic radiometers show that the comparison can be done at the highest accuracy, provided that certain experimental parameters are carefully controlled.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.