MOONS (Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph) for VLT

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MOONS is a Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph instrument for use on one of the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescopes (VLT). Combining the 8.2 metre primary mirror of the VLT large with the large multiplex and wavelength coverage of MOONS will provide the UK astronomical community with a powerful, unique instrument able to pioneer a wide range of Galactic, Extragalactic and Cosmological studies.
Knowledge Exchange
STFC Internal KE: In the current MOONS instrument baseline design we are making use of small robotic arms to position 1024 fibres very accurately within the focal plane of the telescope. This design is based on the technology developed under CFI funds received for the development of the so called micro-autonomous robots.
As such MOONS is the beneficiary of knowledge exchange in that the small robotic arms will be using similar motors as the micro-autonomous robots and the manufacturing lessons learned from our CFI investment will help us to develop the manufacturing and assembly procedures required to ensure a robust and achievable production plan such that the Fibre Positioning Units can be produced at the lowest cost possible, within schedule and with a very high yield.
Industry KE: The FPUs are used to place fibres very accurately and repeatedly at very precise positions in the instrument's focal plane. To achieve this we need to know exactly where each of the 1024 fibres are relative to our instrument focal plane datum. To do this we can either make use of an external metrology system or we can have sensors on-board the FPU arms. For the external metrology method once again MOONS will be benefitting from the image processing work that has been done as part of the CFI MA-BOTS project.
Cryostats: For MOONS we require cryostats that will be substantially larger than those currently in use or available in industry. We have worked with a company called NTE in the past (while developing instruments such as SCUBA 2 and KMOS). Our work with them helped them to develop their manufacturing capabilities and they have carved out a niche market for themselves.
Innovation: The software required to allocate astronomical targets to fibres as well as the path analysis required to ensure that the order of placements is done in the most efficient manner and also to prevent the FPU arms to clash could possibly result in novel algorithms, especially if these can be broken down in simple equations not requiring a lot of computations.
Possible applications outside astronomy: Small sample handling: There are potential applications for the MOONs robots to be adapted to handling biological samples. For example this could be used to feed a cryogenic stage like a goniometer. Further evaluation will be required and most likely it can be supported by applying for CFI funds.
Skills Impacts: Collaborations: In addition to all collaborations mentioned above, the MOONs project involves Cambridge University who will have the opportunity to increase knowledge in the areas of cryogenics systems. In addition, we are part of a worldwide collaboration including nine countries, which from past experience, typically lacked the UK ATC's strong leadership in both project management and systems engineering.
Training (students): Throughout the duration of the project, we will identify PhD projects that could be offered in conjunction with the Institute for Astronomy, Edinburgh University and at UoC. The IfA is co-located with the UK ATC at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and experience in the development of state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation. This training will emphasise the strong link between instrumentation and astrophysics at an early career stage, nurturing the next generation of instrument scientists, Principal Investigators and instrument builders and ensure that the UK's reputation can live on long after our current staff has retired.