The EUCLID VIS read-out shutter unit: a low disturbance mechanism at cryogenic temperature

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of a low-disturbance, cryogenic shutter mechanism for the Euclid mission's VIS instrument, crucial for accurate dark current calibration and image quality.

Contribution

It introduces the design and manufacturing progress of a specialized read-out shutter unit optimized for cryogenic temperatures in space applications.

Findings

Successful development of a low disturbance cryogenic shutter

Enhanced calibration accuracy for Euclid's VIS instrument

Progress towards space-ready implementation

Abstract

Euclid is the second medium-size mission (M2) of the ESA Cosmic Vision Program, currently scheduled for a launch in 2020. The two instruments on-board Euclid, VIS (VISible imager) and NISP (Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer), will provide key measurements to investigate the nature of dark energy, advancing our knowledge on cosmology. We present in this contribution the development and manufacturing status of the VIS Read-out Shutter Unit, whose main function is to prevent direct light from falling onto the VIS CCDs during the read-out of the scientific exposures and to allow the dark-current/bias calibrations of the instrument.