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METIS Design
The science case for METIS dictates the
following key requirements for the instrument design:
Diffraction-limited imaging in L,
M and N bands with a field of view of approximately 18 x 18".The
imager also includes coronagraphy in L and N bands; a low resolution slit
spectrograph (R < 5000); and N-band polarimetry
An IFU-fed high-resolution
spectrograph in L and M bands with a field of view of 0.4 x 1.5" and
spectral resolving power of ~100,000.
The instrument consists of two separate
units, one for the imager and another for the spectrograph, and is entirely
encased in a cryostat to maintain the stable low temperatures required for
good performance at mid-infrared wavelengths. To achieve diffraction
limited performance, METIS will use adaptive optics correction to
compensate for atmospheric turbulence. The instrument will be able to
observe with both natural and laser guide stars.
See the image gallery for views of the
instrument.
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