CRAL EXPERTISE ON IMAGE SLICER: OPTICAL DESIGNS,GLASS OR METALLIC MANUFACTURING, TEST AND RESULTS

摘要

A research and development activity on image slicer systems for integral field spectroscopy has grown in the last years. It allows the simultaneous observation on the same detector matrix of two-dimensional sky maps and a spectral decomposition of light reducing the observation times. Today, image slicers lead to possible applications on future instrumentation for ground-based and space telescopes, covering a spectral domain ranging from blue to mid-IR wavelengths.Since 2001, the Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon has designed, manufactured, integrated and tested six different breadboards using advanced image slicers. These breadboards are based on different optical designs (three or two mirror arrays or a combination of mirrors and mini-lens arrays). All these designs will be presented. Furthermore, all manufacturing methods will be described. Some use classical polishing approach on Zerodur with an assembling by molecular adhesion. Others are made of metal with monolithic or segmented optical elements and state-of-the-art diamond turning machines. Then all individual tests (roughness, shape and reflectivity) and system performances (alignment and quality image) will be summarized. We will conclude with a comparison between these different breadboards by choosing the most suitable solution for the projects.