3D-Exploration of the Universe by a wide-field Imaging FTS at high spectral resolution

¹ Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, CNRS et Univ. Pierre et Marie Curie, 98bis Blvd, Arago, 75014 Paris, France
² Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, CNRS & Université Paris-Sud, Centre Universitaire d'Orsay, Bât. 120, 121, 91405 Orsay, France

Corresponding authors: maillard@iap.fr francois.boulanger@ias.u-psud.fr

Abstract

In a first part the paper reviews some of the major Spitzer legacy imaging surveys to show the quantity of data available, and the subsequent need for spectroscopic follow-up surveys on equivalent wide fields. They are required for many science cases, as giant star forming regions, young planetary nebulea, the Galactic Centre, nearby galaxies, distant galaxy clusters. This capability of wide, integral field spectroscopy, missing in all the existing and planned astronomical facilities, thus, appears among the most pertinent choice for the future of astronomy at Dome C. For the instrumental solution, a flexibility in the choice of spectral resolution and spectral domain on a broad infrared range is desirable to be able to undertake a large variety of study, on extragalactic and galactic fields as well. This capability can be only offered by an Imaging FTS. It fully benefits from the low thermal background emission of Dome C, particularly in the 1.8 to 5.5 μm range, and reach an optimum sensitivity by imaging emission lines. In a difficult site as Dome C, a dedicated, medium-size telescope would be the most effective way of exploiting such an instrument.