Extension of ATLAST/LUVOIR’s capabilities to 5 μm or beyond

Michael W. Werner; Mark R. Swain; Gautam Vasisht; Xu Wang; Steven A. Macenka; Avi M. Mandell; Shawn Domagal-Goldman; Joel D. Green; Christopher C. Stark

doi:10.1117/1.JATIS.2.4.041205

22 June 2016 Extension of ATLAST/LUVOIR’s capabilities to 5 μm or beyond

Michael W. Werner, Mark R. Swain, Gautam Vasisht, Xu Wang, Steven A. Macenka, Avi M. Mandell, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Joel D. Green, Christopher C. Stark

Author Affiliations +

Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems, Vol. 2, Issue 4, 041205 (June 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.2.4.041205

Abstract

ATLAST is a particular realization of the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared telescope (LUVOIR), a ∼10-m diameter space telescope being defined for consideration in the 2020 Decadal Review of astronomy and astrophysics. ATLAST/LUVOIR is generally thought of as an ambient temperature (∼300 K) system, and little consideration has been given to using it at infrared wavelengths longward of ∼2 μm. We assess the scientific and technical benefits of operating such a telescope further into the infrared, with particular emphasis on the study of exoplanets, which is a major science theme for ATLAST/LUVOIR. For the study of exoplanet atmospheres, the capability to work at least out to 5.0 μm is highly desirable. Such an extension of the long wavelength limit of ATLAST would greatly increase its capabilities for studies of exoplanet atmospheres and provide powerful capabilities for the study of a wide range of astrophysical questions. We present a concept for a fiber-fed grating spectrometer, which would enable R=200 spectroscopy on ATLAST with minimal impact on the other focal planet instruments. We conclude that it is technically feasible and highly desirable scientifically to extend the wavelength range of ATLAST to at least 5 μm.

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Michael W. Werner, Mark R. Swain, Gautam Vasisht, Xu Wang, Steven A. Macenka, Avi M. Mandell, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, Joel D. Green, and Christopher C. Stark "Extension of ATLAST/LUVOIR’s capabilities to 5 μm or beyond," Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems 2(4), 041205 (22 June 2016). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.2.4.041205

Published: 22 June 2016

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