Micromirror arrays for spectroscopy in space

Abstract

In Astronomy and Earth Observation, we propose two innovative reconfigurable instruments based on micromirror arrays: 1) a multi-object spectrograph with MOEMS programmable slit masks; 2) a programmable wide-field spectrograph where both the field of view (FOV) and the spectrum could be tailored thanks to a 2D micromirror array. The FOV is linear and each point spectrum could be modified dynamically along the second direction. Demonstrators of both concepts have been designed, fabricated and integrated: first results show the unique performances of these micromirrors-based instruments.