Integral field and multi-object spectrometry with MEMS

Multi object spectrometers measure spectra of multiple objects simultaneously. Besides others, e.g. fiber positioning systems, there is a class of multi object spectrometers which is based on a dispersing imaging optics in connection with a slit masks. Two considered approaches for reconfigurable slit masks are two-dimensional MEMS arrays, such as micro mirror or micro shutter arrays, and slit positioning devices. After an introduction to multi object spectrometry with dispersing imaging optics we calculate the effective multiplex capabilities of multi object spectrometers based on 2D MEMS and on slit positioning devices for randomly distributed objects. The observation efficiency of multi object spectrometers based on 2D MEMS is compared to integral field spectrometers and to multi object spectrometers based on slit positioning devices. We find that for typical applications the efficiency of the slit positioning approach is nearly as good as the efficiency of the 2D MEMS approach. This makes slit positioning systems a serious alternative solution to 2D MEMS devices as long as they are easier to get.

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