Micro-Mirror-Devices (MMDs): A New Family of MOEMS for the Habitable World Observatory

TL;DR

This paper introduces Micro-Mirror-Devices (MMDs), a new type of MOEMS designed to enhance multi-slit spectroscopy for astronomical observatories, aiming for space readiness by 2029.

Contribution

It presents the development plan for MMDs, addressing limitations of current DMDs and targeting TRL-5 for space telescope applications.

Findings

Analysis of current DMD limitations in astronomy

Design baseline for MMDs with target parameters

Potential of MMDs for space-based spectrographs

Abstract

We present a new program aimed at developing a new generation of micromirror devices specifically tailored for astronomical applications, multi-slit spectroscopy in particular. We first overview the general characteristics of Multi-Object-Spectrographs based on the current Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs), with particular focus on the newly deployed SAMOS instrument at the 4.1 m SOAR telescope on Cerro Pachon. We illustrate the operational advantages of DMD-based instruments and the technical limitations of the currently available devices, the DMDs produced by Texas Instruments (TI). We then introduce the baseline and target parameters of the new Micro-Mirror-Devices (MMDs) that we plan to develop with the goal of reaching TRL-5 by mid-2029 as required by the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) timeline. We conclude with a brief illustration of the exciting potential of MMD-based spectrographs for an 8 m class space telescope like HWO.