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J. Bechtold, K. Ennico (U. Arizona), T. P. Greene (NASA Ames Research Center), J. H. Burge, M. J. Rieke, G. H. Rieke, H.- W. Rix, E. T. Young, M. P. Lesser, R. Sarlot, J. R. P. Angel, D. W. McCarthy, R. I. Thompson (U. Arizona), P. Forney, L. Lesyna, K. Triebes (Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space), J. E. Gunn (Princeton U.)
We present our pre-Phase A design study of the integrated science instrument module (ISIM) for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). Our ISIM study includes imaging from 0.2 - 40 microns, including very wide field imaging in the spectral region from 0.2 - 5 microns, multi-object spectroscopy from 1-40 microns, and coronographic imaging in the optical and near-infrared. We present optical, mechanical and thermal designs of these modules, and estimated performance. Our thermal design for the integrated package uses pulse tube coolers for the mid-IR BIB detectors. We base our near-IR instruments on HgCdTe arrays, because of their low dark current and read-noise, and large format.
Our philosophy is to design each module to be simple and modular. To the greatest extent possible, we limit the number of observing modes and capabilities for each individual module in order to optimize performance, and at the same time minimize complexity, cost and risk. We discuss our prioritization of which instrument capabilities should be included in the flight ISIM, based on the scientific goals outlined in the NGST Design Reference Mission.
If the author provided an email address or URL for general inquiries, it is a
s follows:
http://lithops.as.arizona.edu/~jill/NGST/