034004_1.pdf (7.19 MB)
Galaxy evolution probe
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:05 authored by Jason Glenn, Charles M Bradford, Erik Rosolowsky, Rashied Amini, Katherine Alatalo, Lee Armus, Andrew J Benson, Tzu-Ching Chang, Jeremy Darling, Peter K Day, Jeanette L Domber, Duncan Farrah, Brandon Hensley, Sarah J Lipscy, Bradley D Moore, Seb OliverSeb Oliver, Joanna Perido, David Redding, Michael Rodgers, Raphael Shirley, Howard A Smith, John B Steeves, Carole E Tucker, Jonas ZmuidzinasThe Galaxy Evolution Probe (GEP) is a concept for a mid- and far-infrared space observatory to measure key properties of large samples of galaxies with large and unbiased surveys. GEP will attempt to achieve zodiacal light and Galactic dust emission photon background-limited observations by utilizing a 6-K, 2.0-m primary mirror and sensitive arrays of kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). It will have two instrument modules: a 10 to 400??µm hyperspectral imager with spectral resolution R??=?????/??????=??8 (GEP-I) and a 24 to 193??µm, R??=??200 grating spectrometer (GEP-S). GEP-I surveys will identify star-forming galaxies via their thermal dust emission and simultaneously measure redshifts using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission lines. Galaxy luminosities derived from star formation and nuclear supermassive black hole accretion will be measured for each source, enabling the cosmic star formation history to be measured to much greater precision than previously possible. Using optically thin far-infrared fine-structure lines, surveys with GEP-S will measure the growth of metallicity in the hearts of galaxies over cosmic time and extraplanar gas will be mapped in spiral galaxies in the local universe to investigate feedback processes. The science case and mission architecture designed to meet the science requirements is described, and the KID and readout electronics state of the art and needed developments are described. This paper supersedes the GEP concept study report cited in it by providing new content, including: a summary of recent mid-infrared KID development, a discussion of microlens array fabrication for mid-infrared KIDs, and additional context for galaxy surveys. The reader interested in more technical details may want to consult the concept study report.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and SystemsISSN
2329-4221Publisher
Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation EngineersExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
7Page range
1-36Article number
a034004Department affiliated with
- Physics and Astronomy Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes