27 May 2010 | Richard Davies, N. Ageorges, L. Barl, L. R. Bedin, R. Bender, P. Bernardi, F. Chapron, Y. Clenet, A. Deep, E. Deul, M. Drost, F. Eisenhauer, R. Falomo, G. Fiorentino, N. M. Förster Schreiber, E. Gendron, R. Genzel, D. Gratadour, L. Greggio, F. Grupp, E. Held, T. Herbst, H.-J. Hess, Z. Hubert, K. Jahnke, K. Kuijken, D. Lutz, D. Magrin, B. Muscielok, R. Navarro, E. Noyola, T. Paumard, G. Piotto, R. Ragazzoni, A. Renzini, G. Rousset, H.-W. Rix, R. Saglia, L. Tacconi, M. Thiel, E. Tolstoy, S. Trippe, N. Tromp, E. A. Valentijn, G. Verdoes Kleijn, and M. Wegner
MICADO is the adaptive optics imaging camera for the E-ELT, designed to work with the MAORY MCAO system and provide diffraction-limited imaging over a wide field of view. It is also capable of operating with a simpler AO module using natural guide stars for initial operations. The instrument is optimized for high sensitivity and resolution, enabling it to address key science cases in astrophysics, including the study of high-redshift galaxies, precision astrometry, and high-throughput spectroscopy. MICADO's design includes a compact, robust structure with a 53'' field of view and a pixel scale of 3 mas, allowing it to image in a wide range of near-infrared filters. It has two arms: a primary arm with a high-throughput imaging camera and an auxiliary arm with additional capabilities for spectroscopy and other scientific applications. The instrument is supported by a stainless steel cryostat and uses HAWAII-4RG detectors for high precision astrometry. MICADO's technical design includes a simple, compact, and robust structure, with a focus on minimizing risks and ensuring stability. The cryogenic system uses continuous flow liquid nitrogen for cooling, and the electronics are designed for efficient operation. The instrument control software is designed to handle observation preparation, science operations, and maintenance. Data processing involves advanced techniques for photometry and astrometry, with the Astro-WISE system being well-suited for MICADO data reduction. The SCAO module allows for single-conjugate adaptive optics operations, providing diffraction-limited images. The performance of MICADO is expected to be highly sensitive, with the ability to detect faint objects and provide precise astrometric measurements. The instrument is designed to be compatible with future AO systems and will play a key role in advancing astrophysical research with the E-ELT.MICADO is the adaptive optics imaging camera for the E-ELT, designed to work with the MAORY MCAO system and provide diffraction-limited imaging over a wide field of view. It is also capable of operating with a simpler AO module using natural guide stars for initial operations. The instrument is optimized for high sensitivity and resolution, enabling it to address key science cases in astrophysics, including the study of high-redshift galaxies, precision astrometry, and high-throughput spectroscopy. MICADO's design includes a compact, robust structure with a 53'' field of view and a pixel scale of 3 mas, allowing it to image in a wide range of near-infrared filters. It has two arms: a primary arm with a high-throughput imaging camera and an auxiliary arm with additional capabilities for spectroscopy and other scientific applications. The instrument is supported by a stainless steel cryostat and uses HAWAII-4RG detectors for high precision astrometry. MICADO's technical design includes a simple, compact, and robust structure, with a focus on minimizing risks and ensuring stability. The cryogenic system uses continuous flow liquid nitrogen for cooling, and the electronics are designed for efficient operation. The instrument control software is designed to handle observation preparation, science operations, and maintenance. Data processing involves advanced techniques for photometry and astrometry, with the Astro-WISE system being well-suited for MICADO data reduction. The SCAO module allows for single-conjugate adaptive optics operations, providing diffraction-limited images. The performance of MICADO is expected to be highly sensitive, with the ability to detect faint objects and provide precise astrometric measurements. The instrument is designed to be compatible with future AO systems and will play a key role in advancing astrophysical research with the E-ELT.