We present the most up to date advancements in production, design, and performance of the NexGen Micro-Shutter Array (NGMSA) for Multi-object Spectroscopy (MOS), intended for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Flagship. A microshutter array functions as a programmable slit mask, to generate slits corresponding to sparsely distributed sources in the field of view of a telescope. In contrast to the magnetic/electrostatic microshutter arrays used in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the NGMSA is fully operated by electrostatics, simplifying overall system. Our small pilot array proved its capability from the FORTIS sounding rocket mission in 2019. As we are switching to a larger HWO flight size array process, we are encountering multiple processing related issues. Also, there has been individual shutter level issue that impairs operation and performance. We will discuss those problems and strategies to overcome the challenges to achieve an on/off contrast of >1e5 with near 100% shutter operability.
KEYWORDS: Camera shutters, Design and modelling, Ultraviolet radiation, Finite element methods, Fabrication, James Webb Space Telescope, Imaging systems, Vibration, Mirrors, Infrared spectroscopy
The current stage of the project aims to develop a cutting-edge Next-Generation Microshutter Array (NGMSA) device as a spaceflight-qualified field object selector mask for multi-object spectroscopy (MOS). This technological goal is defined by the expectation by the strategic space flight missions large format field selector masks. We present the status of the NGMSA large format arrays from technology readiness level from 3 to 5. The preceding cycle of the development resulted in demonstration of the small format NGMSA technology in the Far-ultraviolet Off Rowland-circle Telescope for Imaging and Spectroscopy (FORTIS) sounding rocket flight. It opened the path to the next stage of the large format arrays. We report on the current status of the arrays fabrication, functional and optical testing, integration and the plans to scalability of the individual devices into the focal plane assembly.
KEYWORDS: James Webb Space Telescope, Spectroscopy, Camera shutters, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Astronomical imaging, Staring arrays, Spectrographs, Rockets, Prototyping
We are presenting the result of the microshutter arrays for multi-object spectroscopy. Microshutter arrays are MEMS technology devices that are 2D programmable field masks for object selection in the sparsely populated fields. This next generation microshutters are based on the first generation of the microshutter arrays developed for the James Webb Space Telescope Near-Infrared Spectrometer (JWST NIRSpec) we developed new fabrication process that allowed to build fully electrostatic microshutter arrays. The microshutter arrays based on this new development have been successfully demonstrated in the FORTIS project sounding rocket flight. We are currently in the process of expanding the fabrication process to large format microshutter arrays designed for the use on the future NASA flagship missions such as HabEx and LUVOIR.
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