BlueMUSE instrument concept has been validated through the Phase A review.
It is based on a balanced approach between MUSE concept legacy and several technology improvements in order to meet the challenges coming from BlueMUSE unique characteristics.
Overall architecture
BlueMUSE Concept design is a combination of several sub systems (in order of appearance for the light path):
The Calibration Unit illuminates the instrument with a calibration beam that mimic both the VLT f-number and its pupil illumination. The Fore Optics reshapes the VLT focus image (field rotation, magnification, anamorphosis).
The Splitting & Relay Optics splits the FoV in 16 channels and relay the light towards the entrance of an IFU.
Each channel has an Integral Field Unit that includes an Image Slicer, a Spectrograph and a Detector Vessel.
The Image Slicer cuts and rearrange the 2D sub FoV into a 1D pseudo slit. It slices the FoV coming from the SRO into 48 slits that are rearranged in a long slit at the entrance of the spectrograph.
The Spectrograph produces the spectra of the mini slits and images them onto the detector.
The Instrument Detector System detects the light dispersed by the spectrograph, convert it and share it with the Data Reduction Software, that will remove the instrument signature, correct for environmental effects and prepare the data cube. Each detector Vessel includes one 4k x 4k CCD with its detector head and a cryocooler unit.
A Vacuum and Cryogenics Support is responsible for providing vacuum and cooling to the detector vessels.
The above sub systems are structurally supported by the Instrument Main Structure, which is also the interface with the Nasmyth platform. A passive Thermal Enclosure is installed around the instrument to reduce the external temperature variation during the night and improve instrument stability.
BlueMUSE has several functions and devices and is therefore also supported by a control system, that is including both Electronics and Software control.
