MUSE: a second-generation integral-field spectrograph for the VLT

Abstract

We describe MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer), a second-generation integral-field spectrograph for the VLT, operating in the visible and near JR wavelength range. It combines a 1 ' x 1 ' Field of View with the improved spatial resolution (0.2") provided by adaptive optics and covers a large simultaneous spectral range (0.48-1 tim). With this unique combination of capabilities, MUSE has a wide domain of application, and a large discovery potential. It will provide ultra deep fields with a limiting magnitude for spectroscopy ofR =28.After a brief presentation of the scientific case and the derived instrument requirements, we will focus on the MUSE optical design, including the overall architecture, the major trade-off that were conducted in order to optimize the cost and performance, and a provisional implementation scheme of the instrument on the VLT Nasmyth platform. Then the most important optical subsystems (as the 3 x 8 Field-splitter, the Image Slicers and the Spectrometers) are described. One of MUSE special feature is the impressive number of Image Slicer and Spectrometer modules which must be manufactured, that is 24. The realization of such series has been studied in collaboration with an industrial company. Finally, a preliminary estimation of the expected performance and a technological development program in order to secure the realization of the critical optical subsystems will be presented.

Restoration of hyperspectral astronomical data from integral field spectrograph

“…Still in construction, the MUSE IFS [10] will be installed on the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT). It is a "slicer" based IFS that covers in its wide field mode a 60 × 60 spectroscopic field-of-view subdivided into a grid of about 300 × 300 spatial elements (spaxels).…”

Modeling a slicer mirror using Zemax user-defined surface

“…Since several years a research and development activity on image slicer system for integral field spectroscopy is conducted with already in-use instrumentations, such as GEMINI/GNIRS [1], and future applications for major groundbased (VLT second-generation instruments [3]) and space (JWST [4], SNAP [2]) observatories.…”

The Potsdam MRS spectrograph: heritage of MUSE and the impact of cross-innovation in the process of technology transfer

“…Based on these findings, we have launched a joint research program with clinical experts and industrial partners where astrophysicists and life science specialists work closely to develop an optimized fiber-coupled multi-channel spectrograph with a dedicated novel integral field unit (IFU) for the purpose of a formal validation program in dermatology towards a future prototype for clinical applications. On the basis of the concept of modular and replicable spectrographs for MUSE 4 , we have designed and built a modified spectrograph that, as opposed to its predecessor, is adapted to a telecentric fiber input and has an extended blue performance, but otherwise maintains the properties of high-throughput and excellent image quality over an octave of wavelength coverage with modest spectral resolution. Owing to the immediate purpose of the experiment, the spectrograph is dubbed the Multiplex-Raman-Spectrograph (MRS).…”