SHARP: Beyond JWST -- Revealing the galaxy birth and growth with the resolution of the ELT

TL;DR

SHARP is a proposed near-IR spectrograph for the ELT that aims to surpass JWST in resolution, enabling detailed study of galaxy formation, star formation, and quenching processes across cosmic time.

Contribution

This paper introduces the SHARP instrument concept, designed to leverage ELT's capabilities for high-resolution galaxy evolution studies, beyond what JWST can achieve.

Findings

SHARP will provide ~30 mas resolution, significantly better than JWST's 100 mas.

It will enable detailed analysis of galaxy life-cycle processes at high redshift.

SHARP's multi-object and integral field spectroscopy will facilitate comprehensive galaxy studies.

Abstract

A deep understanding of the life-cycle of galaxies, particularly those of high mass, requires clarifying the mechanisms that regulate star formation (SF) and its abrupt shutdown (quenching), often capable of stopping SF rates of hundreds of solar masses per year. What initially triggers quenching, and what sustains the quiescent state thereafter, especially given the frequent presence of large gas reservoirs or even massive gas inflows, are unsolved key issues. Ultimately, the crucial connection between the galaxy life-cycle and the surrounding Intergalactic (IGM) and Circumgalactic (CGM) Medium remains largely unclear. Addressing these issues requires studying star formation, chemical enrichment, and quenching homogeneously up to high redshift. The upcoming AO-assisted Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), will deliver sharper and deeper data than the JWST. SHARP is a concept study for a near-IR (0.95-2.45 mu) spectrograph designed to fully exploit the capabilities of ELT. Designed for multi-object slit spectroscopy and multi-Integral Field spectroscopy, SHARP points to achieve angular resolutions (~30 mas) far superior to NIRSpec at JWST(100 mas) to decipher and reconstruct the life-cycle oa galaxies.