We review the characteristics of SALT and discuss the major science drivers, both of which will decide the choice of a fist-light instrument package. Current science drivers call for instrumentation similar to that of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, on which SLAT is closely modeled, with fiber-fed and direct spectroscopy in the visible/near-IR being the major observational mode delivering the best astrophysical returns. The suite will include multi-object spectroscopic capability over a continuous wavelength range of at least 400 nm to 1300 nm, with possible extended capabilities to the blue and near-IR. Factors which will decide these limits are discussed, which include mirror coatings and fiber transmission. Other specific science drivers, which may influence instrument choice or design, include photometry, imaging spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry. Possibility exist for different or novel approaches to instrument designs. Together with potential enhancements of the telescope design, these will have some impact on instrument choice. The nature of the first light instrument suite is currently under discussion and will probably be decided by late-2000.

Date Published: 16 August 2000
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 4008, Optical and IR Telescope Instrumentation and Detectors, (16 August 2000); doi: 10.1117/12.395532

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4008:
Optical and IR Telescope Instrumentation and Detectors
Masanori Iye; Alan F. M. Moorwood, Editor(s)