MOIRCS
(Multi-Object Infrared Camera and Spectrograph)

MOIRCS is a near-infrared camera and spectrograph that combines a wide field of view with the capacity to capture the spectra of about 40 objects simultaneously. Its most notable feature is its multi-object spectroscopy, which opens a large window to the Universe by allowing researchers to obtain infrared spectra for a large number of objects in a single observation.

Fast Facts

Description:

Infrared camera and spectrograph
Wide field of view
Three principal structures

Main cryostat
Multiple-object mask exchange system
Support frame

Operation:

Camera

Mirrors split incoming light and send different parts of image to two detectors.
Tohoku University Focal Plane Array Controller (TUFPAC) produces images.

Spectrograph

Capable of obtaining multiple spectra of up to 40 astronomical objects at the same time, marking a dramatic increase in observational efficiency over single object spectroscopy
Mask carousel

Has up to 21 mask slots for multi-object spectroscopy.
Can switch between two masks in 4 minutes.
Separated from main instrument structure so that new masks can be put on without opening the entire instrument.

Applications:

Exploration of objects at the far reaches of the Universe

Large numbers of distant galaxies
Large structures, e.g., nearby nebulae

Specifics:

Size and weight:

2 m x 2 m x 2 m (7 ft. x 7 ft. x 7 ft.)
2.3 tons

Placement: Cassegrain focus
Detectors used: two, 4 megapixel Hawaii II detectors (2048 x 2048)
Filters available for imaging and spectroscopy: Y, J, H, K bands
Wavelengths: near-infrared between 0.9 and 2.5 microns
Fully cryogenic
FOV: 4 x 7 arcminutes
Spectral resolution in three modes

Low (R~400)
Medium (R~1300)
High (R~3000)

Spatial Resolution: 0.117 arcsecond

Development:

Co-developed by Subaru Telescope (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan) and Tohoku University.

Research and development began in 1999 with significant contributions by graduate students.

Overcame several challenges, e.g., developing a drive mechanism for the mask that could withstand cryogenic conditions of at least minus 150 degrees.
Tohoku University Focal Plane Array Controller (TUFPAC) software was developed at Tohoku University.
Construction began in 2000.

Handbuilt from individually procured high-performance parts
Was the world's first multi-object near-infrared spectrograph available for common use on a large (8-10 m) telescope.