Demonstrator of a multi-object spectrograph based on the 2048×1080 DMD

Multi-Object Spectrographs (MOS) are the major instruments for studying primary galaxies and remote and faint objects. Current object selection systems are limited and/or difficult to implement in next generation MOS for space and ground-based telescopes. A promising solution is the use of MOEMS devices such as micromirror arrays which allow the remote control of the multi-slit configuration in real time. We are developing a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) - based spectrograph demonstrator. We want to access the largest FOV with the highest contrast. The selected component is a DMD chip from Texas Instruments in 2048 × 1080 mirrors format, with a pitch of 13.68μm. Such component has been also studied by our team in early phase EUCLID-NIS study. Our optical design is an all-reflective spectrograph design with F/4 on the DMD component, including two arms, one spectroscopic channel and one imaging channel, thanks to the two stable positions of DMD micromirrors. This demonstrator permits the study of key parameters such as throughput, contrast and ability to remove background and spoiler sources, PSF effect. This study will be conducted in the visible with possible extension in the IR. The breadboard has been designed and is under realization before integration on a bench simulating an astronomical FOV. The demonstrator is of prime importance for characterizing the actual performance of this new family of instruments, as well as investigating the operational procedures on astronomical objects. If this demonstrator is successful, next step will be a demonstrator instrument placed on the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo.