ELT - METIS

METIS is the proposed mid-infrared imager and spectrograph for the European ELT, Europe's next-generation ground-based telescope for optical and infrared (IR) wavelengths. Covering the L, M and N bands, METIS will offer imaging and medium-resolution spectroscopy over the full wavelength range (3-14 microns), and high-resolution integral field spectroscopy in L and M bands (3-5.3 microns).

METIS is one of eight proposed instruments for the European ELT, and the only instrument to cover wavelengths beyond 3 microns. A Phase A study was carried out from May 2008 to December 2009.  The institute of Astronomy at K.U. Leuven was part of the consortium that formulated a detailed science case for METIS, and based on these scientific goals, developed and designed the instrumental concept.  The institute lead the work on instrument control, and contributed to the science case and the calibration concept.

The instrument consists of two separate units, one for the imager and another for the spectrograph, and is entirely encased in a cryostat to maintain the stable low temperatures required for good performance at mid-infrared wavelengths. To achieve diffraction limited performance, METIS will use adaptive optics correction to compensate for atmospheric turbulence. The instrument will be able to observe with both natural and laser guide stars.

People involved

Joris Blommaert, Wim Pessemier, Gert Raskin, Bart Vandenbussche, Christoffel Waelkens

Links

METIS pages at Leiden university