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L.K. Deutsch (BU/IAR), J.L. Hora (CfA), M.F. Kassis, J.D. Adams, E.V. Tollestrup (BU/IAR)
MIRSI (Mid-InfraRed Spectrometer and Imager) is a mid-infrared camera system with both spectroscopic and imaging capabilities recently completed at Boston University. The camera utilizes a new 320x240 Si:As IBC array developed for ground-based astronomy by Raytheon/SBRC. MIRSI offers a large field of view (1.6\arcmin x 1.2\arcmin at the IRTF with a pixel scale of 0.3\arcsec), diffraction-limited spatial resolution, complete spectral coverage over the 8-14 \micron\ and 17-26 \micron\ atmospheric windows for both imaging (discrete filters and CVF) and spectroscopy (10 and 20 \micron\ grisms), and high sensitivity (expected 1\sigma point source sensitivities of 5 and 20 mJy at 10 and 20 \micron, respectively, for on-source integration time of 30 seconds). This system offers the unique ability to acquire both spectra and high-resolution, multi-wavelength images of an astrophysical source. This will make it possible to unambiguously correlate the spatial and spectral features observed in astrophysical sources and thereby reveal the key physical and chemical processes at work. MIRSI is uniquely suited for studies of young stellar objects and star formation, planetary and protoplanetary nebulae, starburst galaxies, and solar system objects such as planets, asteroids, and comets. We will present the camera design and report on results of ongoing laboratory testing and optimization of the system.