FRIDA: diffraction-limited imaging and integral-field spectroscopy for the GTC

TL;DR

FRIDA is a high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy instrument for the GTC, enabling diffraction-limited observations with multiple modes and spectral resolutions, advancing astronomical research capabilities.

Contribution

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and current status of FRIDA, a novel diffraction-limited imager and integral-field spectrometer for the GTC.

Findings

FRIDA's imaging scales are 0.010, 0.020, and 0.040 arcsec/pixel.

Spectral resolutions of 1500, 4000, and 30,000 are achieved in IFS mode.

System integration is underway with full tests scheduled for 2017.

Abstract

FRIDA is a diffraction-limited imager and integral-field spectrometer that is being built for the adaptive-optics focus of the Gran Telescopio Canarias. In imaging mode FRIDA will provide scales of 0.010, 0.020 and 0.040 arcsec/pixel and in IFS mode spectral resolutions of 1500, 4000 and 30,000. FRIDA is starting systems integration and is scheduled to complete fully integrated system tests at the laboratory by the end of 2017 and to be delivered to GTC shortly thereafter. In this contribution we present a summary of its design, fabrication, current status and potential scientific applications.