VIRUS: an ultracheap 1000-object IFU spectrograph

Gary J. Hill; Phillip J. MacQueen

doi:10.1117/12.458114

24 December 2002 VIRUS: an ultracheap 1000-object IFU spectrograph

Gary J. Hill, Phillip J. MacQueen

Proceedings Volume 4836, Survey and Other Telescope Technologies and Discoveries; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.458114
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The VIsible Replicable Ultra-cheap Spectrograph (VIRUS) is a multi-spectrograph made up of 64 individually small and simple “spectrographlets”. It represents a new approach to the design of a highly multiplexed spectrograph, offering the science multiplex advantage of ~10³ objects per exposure, coupled with the engineering multiplex advantage of ~10² spectrographs making up a whole. We argue that this is a cost-effective approach when compared to traditional spectrograph design, where each instrument is essentially a one-off prototype with heavy expenditure on engineering effort. In this paper we describe the conceptual design of VIRUS and compare its cost to conventional spectrographs.

Citation Download Citation

Gary J. Hill and Phillip J. MacQueen "VIRUS: an ultracheap 1000-object IFU spectrograph", Proc. SPIE 4836, Survey and Other Telescope Technologies and Discoveries, (24 December 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.458114

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