The UKIRT 1-5 micron Imager Spectrometer

UIST is a 1-5um imager-spectrometer with a 1024x1024 InSb array. The instrument is designed to switch quickly and accurately between imaging and spectroscopic modes; spectroscopic targets are acquired by first imaging the field. The mechanical layout shows the instrument's key features. In imaging mode there are two plate scales available, 0.12 arcsec per pixel or 0.06 arcsec per pixel, giving fields of view of 2x2 or 1x1 arcminute; subarray readout is possible. In spectroscopy mode only the 0.12"/pixel camera is used, though there is a choice of slit widths. Integral field spectroscopy is available via an image slicing design which provides spectroscopy of a 3.3x6.0 arcsec (rotatable) area sampled every 0.48x0.24 arcsec. Polarimetry is also available with all imaging and long-slit spectroscopy modes. The Fabry-Perot interferometer for the K window is not offered with UIST but is available with UFTI. UIST is operated under the ORAC system; the electronics are based on the Michelle EDICT array controller.

UIST was built at the ATC in Edinburgh. Suzie Ramsay Howat was the project scientist. The instrument was delivered to Hawaii in August 2002, commissioned in October 2002 and has been available for observing since December 2002. Chris Davis and Sandy Leggett are the instrument scientists responsible for UIST spectroscopy and imaging, respectively. UIST enquiries should be addressed to these two people.