Design inputs for a high-performance high-resolution near-infrared spectrograph

Abstract

The combination of immersion grating and infrared array detector technologies allows the construction of highresolution spectrographs in the near-infrared that have capabilities similar to those of optical spectrographs. It is possible, for instance, to design multi-object spectrographs with very large wavelength coverage and high throughput. We explored the science and functional drivers for these spectrograph designs. Several key inputs into the design are reviewed including risk, mechanical-optical trades, and operations. We discuss a design for a fixed configuration spectrograph with either 1.1 -2.5 or 3 -5 μm simultaneous wavelength coverage.