Glenn, Jason, Bradford, Charles M, Rosolowsky, Erik, Amini, Rashied, Alatalo, Katherine, Armus, Lee, Benson, Andrew J, Chang, Tzu-Ching, Darling, Jeremy, Day, Peter K, Domber, Jeanette L, Farrah, Duncan, Hensley, Brandon, Lipscy, Sarah J, Moore, Bradley D, Oliver, Sebastian, Perido, Joanna, Redding, David, Rodgers, Michael, Shirley, Raphael, Smith, Howard A, Steeves, John B, Tucker, Carole E and Zmuidzinas, Jonas (2021) Galaxy evolution probe. Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems, 7 (3). a034004 1-36. ISSN 2329-4221

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Abstract

The 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  =  λ  /  Δλ  ≥  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.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
SWORD Depositor:	Mx Elements Account
Depositing User:	Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited:	06 Sep 2021 08:25
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2021 08:30
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/101491

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