Gemini Near-Infrared Integral-Field Spectrograph (NIFS)
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Executive Summary
The Gemini Near-infrared Integral-Field Spectrograph (NIFS) was proposed by the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the Australian National University at the March 1999 “Filling the Gap” meeting of the Gemini Instrument Forum. The NIFS Conceptual Design Study contract was signed on 20 August 1999. This document presents the results of the Conceptual Design Study.
In keeping with the intent of the “Filling the Gap” meeting, NIFS is designed as a fast-tracked instrument for use with the ALTAIR adaptive optics system on Gemini North. It will combine an integral-field unit with a moderate resolution near-infrared spectrograph to perform near diffraction-limited imaging spectroscopy over a 3.0˛´3.0˛ field-of-view. The primary purpose of NIFS is to study moderate surface brightness structures around discrete objects that are revealed at high spatial resolution by ALTAIR. NIFS complements GNIRS by providing a high spatial resolution integral-field capability with larger field using a 2048´2048 HgCdTe detector array. However, NIFS does not attempt to reproduce all of the GNIRS capabilities.
The design, construction, and commissioning of NIFS will be fast-tracked by re-using many of the components designed for the Gemini Near-Infrared Imager (NIRI) by the Institute for Astronomy of the University of Hawaii. NIFS will use duplicates of the NIRI cryostat, On-Instrument Wavefront Sensor, mechanism and temperature control systems, and EPICS software. The construction of duplicate NIRI hardware for NIFS will be performed by the Institute for Astronomy.
The urgent need for facility instruments on both Gemini telescopes combined with the desire to maximize short-term scientific returns in the rapidly evolving field of high spatial resolution imaging spectroscopy make it essential to minimize lead-times for NIFS. It is proposed that construction of NIRI duplicate hardware begins immediately following successful completion of the NIFS Conceptual Design Review. The NIFS Critical Design Review is scheduled for 8 December 2000. It is proposed that this address only the science instrument and its interfaces to other sub-systems. Shipment to Hawaii is scheduled for 20 June 2002, if this plan is followed.
This Conceptual Design Review Documentation consists of two volumes. Volume 1 contains a Technical Review of the proposed instrument. Volume 2 has three sections; a Management Plan for the further design, fabrication, and commissioning of the instrument, the Operational Concept Definition Document for the instrument, and the Functional and Performance Requirements Document for the instrument.