HIRES, the high-resolution spectrograph for the ELT

TL;DR

HIRES is a versatile high-resolution spectrograph for the ELT, covering optical to near-infrared wavelengths, enabling groundbreaking astrophysical and fundamental physics research with multiple observing modes.

Contribution

This paper introduces HIRES, a new high-resolution spectrograph for the ELT with multiple modes and broad scientific applications, including exoplanet and early universe studies.

Findings

Design of a fibre-fed spectrograph covering 0.4-1.8 microns

Multiple observing modes including SCAO and diffraction-limited IFU

Potential to address key scientific questions in astrophysics and physics

Abstract

HIRES will be the high-resolution spectrograph of the European Extremely Large Telescope at optical and near-infrared wavelengths. It consists of three fibre-fed spectrographs providing a wavelength coverage of 0.4-1.8 mic (goal 0.35-1.8 mic) at a spectral resolution of ~100,000. The fibre-feeding allows HIRES to have several, interchangeable observing modes including a SCAO module and a small diffraction-limited IFU in the NIR. Therefore, it will be able to operate both in seeing and diffraction-limited modes. ELT-HIRES has a wide range of science cases spanning nearly all areas of research in astrophysics and even fundamental physics. Some of the top science cases will be the detection of bio signatures from exoplanet atmospheres, finding the fingerprints of the first generation of stars (PopIII), tests on the stability of Nature's fundamental couplings, and the direct detection of the cosmic acceleration. The HIRES consortium is composed of more than 30 institutes from 14 countries, forming a team of more than 200 scientists and engineers.