Gemini Near-Infrared Integral-Field Spectrograph (NIFS):
An Instrument Proposal To
The International Gemini Project Office

from
Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
Institute of Advanced Studies,
The Australian National University

Approved by the Australian Gemini Steering Committee:

Prof. L. E. Cram

• Contents
• 1 Introduction
• 2 NIFS Overview
• 3 NIFS Science Drivers
  • 3.1 Massive Black Holes in Galactic Nuclei
  • 3.2 Dynamical Evolution of Galaxies
  • 3.3 Secondary Science Opportunities
• 4 The NIRI Legacy
  • 4.1 NIRI Cryostat
  • 4.2 NIRI Control System
  • 4.3 NIRI EPICS Software
• 5 NIFS Design Concept
  • 5.1 Offner Relay
  • 5.2 Integral Field Unit Specification
  • 5.3 Integral Field Unit Philosophy
  • 5.4 NIFS IFU Implementation
  • 5.5 Diffraction
  • 5.6 Grating Choices
  • 5.7 Detector Choice
  • 5.8 Optical Performance
  • 5.9 Efficiency
  • 5.10 Sensitivity
• 6 Methodology
  • 6.1 Schedule
  • 6.2 Budget
• 7 Team Membership
• 8 Team Expertise
  • CASPIR on the ANU 2.3 m Telescope
  • RSAA 2.3 m Telescope Tip-Tilt Secondary
  • 8.3 RSAA CICADA User Interface
  • 8.4 Other RSAA Instruments
• 9 References
• About this document ...