Applications of DMDs for astrophysical research

TL;DR

This paper explores how Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) can revolutionize astrophysical spectroscopy by enabling simultaneous observation of thousands of sources, with a focus on design constraints for space-based instruments like EUCLID.

Contribution

It analyzes the key design factors and challenges for implementing DMD-based multi-object spectrographs in space telescopes, especially in the infrared channel of EUCLID.

Findings

Identifies opto-mechanical and cryo-thermal constraints for DMDs in space.

Highlights the potential of DMDs for large-scale astrophysical surveys.

Discusses environmental factors affecting DMD performance in space.

Abstract

A long-standing problem of astrophysical research is how to simultaneously obtain spectra of thousands of sources randomly positioned in the field of view of a telescope. Digital Micromirror Devices, used as optical switches, provide a most powerful solution allowing to design a new generation of instruments with unprecedented capabilities. We illustrate the key factors (opto-mechanical, cryo-thermal, cosmic radiation environment,...) that constrain the design of DMD-based multi-object spectrographs, with particular emphasis on the IR spectroscopic channel onboard the EUCLID mission, currently considered by the European Space Agency for a 2017 launch date.