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SHARP – A Near-IR Multi-mode Spectrograph Conceived for the Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics Module MORFEO@ELT

Abstract:

The world’s largest aperture combined with state-of-the-art Adaptive Optics systems will enable the ELT to capture better data than the JWST in both sharpness and depth. Therefore, the spectrograph intended for the 2nd port of the Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) system MORFEO@ELT will be the most powerful instrument of the JWST era, revealing phenomena beyond the reach of others. SHARP (http://sharp.brera.inaf.it) is a near-IR spectrograph designed for the 2nd port of MORFEO@ELT, intended to be submitted in the upcoming ESO instrument call. Composed of a Multi-Object Spectrograph, NEXUS, and a multi-Integral Field Unit, VESPER, SHARP covers the wavelength range to 0.95-2.45 μ. Coupled with MCAO-assisted observations, it delivers unprecedented high angular (~30 mas) and spectral resolution, outperforming NIRSpec@JWST (100 mas). MORFEO-SHARP will allow us to study the nearby and the early Universe in unprecedented detail, resolving the first galaxies and the star forming regions within galaxies far back in cosmic time, and providing spectra of individual nearby young stellar objects. This presentation introduces the scientific rationale behind SHARP, showcasing its features and inviting those interested to join the SHARP team.