Developing an integrated concept for the E-ELT Multi-Object Spectrograph (MOSAIC): design issues and trade-offs

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design considerations and trade-offs involved in developing MOSAIC, a multi-object spectrograph for the E-ELT, which combines high multiplexing and high-resolution capabilities across visible and near-infrared wavelengths.

Contribution

It introduces a new integrated concept for MOSAIC that balances multiplexing and spatial resolution for the E-ELT spectrograph.

Findings

Design trade-offs between multiplexing and resolution analyzed

Concept successfully integrates multi-object and IFU capabilities

Addresses science cases for E-ELT multi-object spectroscopy

Abstract

We present a discussion of the design issues and trade-offs that have been considered in putting together a new concept for MOSAIC, the multi-object spectrograph for the E-ELT. MOSAIC aims to address the combined science cases for E-ELT MOS that arose from the earlier studies of the multi-object and multi-adaptive optics instruments. MOSAIC combines the advantages of a highly-multiplexed instrument targeting single-point objects with one which has a more modest multiplex but can spatially resolve a source with high resolution (IFU). These will span across two wavebands: visible and near-infrared.