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CIRPASS - an integral field/multi-object faint object spectrograph
for the near infra-red
D. King (IoA)
We are currently constructing a new faint object, near infra-red spectrograph
(CIRPASS - Cambridge IR PAnoramic Survey Spectrograph) providing integral
field and multi-object capability over the wavelength range 0.85 - 1.8
microns. CIRPASS uses hardware and software technique to minimise the
effects of the bright OH line emission from the sky, and will utilise the
latest 2048x2048 HgCdTe detector available to the IoA through its
participation in the Rockwell HAWAII-II development programme. The aim is
to complete the building, testing and commissioning of CIRPASS in an
extremely short time (by July 2000) through the upgrading of an existing
spectrograph (COHSI).
The Gemini Near-Infra-red Spectrograph (GNIRS) is seriously delayed.
CIRPASS will enable the UK astronomical community to undertake a variety of
scientific programmes requiring a near infra-red spectroscopic capability at
the time of the operational handover on Gemini North.
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