SPIRou: nIR velocimetry & spectropolarimetry at the CFHT

TL;DR

SPIRou is a new near-infrared spectropolarimeter and velocimeter at CFHT designed to study exoplanets, star formation, and magnetic fields, with successful performance and early scientific results supporting its key scientific goals.

Contribution

This paper introduces SPIRou, detailing its design, performance, and initial scientific results, marking a significant advancement in near-infrared spectropolarimetry and velocimetry for astrophysics.

Findings

Successful in-lab and on-sky performance measurements.

First scientific results on exoplanets and magnetic fields.

Support for future major astronomical facilities.

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of SPIRou, the new-generation near-infrared spectropolarimeter / precision velocimeter recently installed on the 3.6-m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Starting from the two main science goals, namely the quest for planetary systems around nearby M dwarfs and the study of magnetized star / planet formation, we outline the instrument concept that was designed to efficiently address these forefront topics, and detail the in-lab and on-sky instrument performances measured throughout the intensive testing phase that SPIRou was submitted to before passing the final acceptance review in early 2019 and initiating science observations. With a central position among the newly started programmes, the SPIRou Legacy Survey (SLS) Large Programme was allocated 300 CFHT nights until at least mid 2022. We also briefly describe a few of the first results obtained in the various science topics that SPIRou started investigating, focusing in particular on planetary systems of nearby M dwarfs, transiting exoplanets and their atmospheres, magnetic fields of young stars, but also on alternate science goals like the atmospheres of M dwarfs and the Earth's atmosphere. We finally conclude on the essential role that SPIRou and the CFHT can play in coordination with forthcoming major facilities like the JWST, the ELTs, PLATO and ARIEL over the decade.