The JWST/NIRSpec instrument: update on status and performances

摘要

The Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) is one of the four instruments on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) which is scheduled for launch in 2018. NIRSpec was developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) with Airbus Defense & Space Germany as prime contractor. The instrument offers seven dispersers covering the wavelength range from 0.6 to 5.3 micron with resolutions from R ～ 100 to R ～ 2700. Using an array of micro-shutters NIRSpec will be capable of obtaining spectra for more than 100 objects simultaneously. It also features an integral field unit with 3" × 3" field of view and various slits for high contrast spectroscopy of individual objects and time series observations of e.g. transiting exoplanets. NIRSpec is now in its final flight configuration and underwent cryogenic performance testing at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Winter 2015/16 as part of the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). We present the current status of the instrument and also provide an update on NIRSpec performances, based on results from the latest test campaign.