CODEX: the high-resolution visual spectrograph for the E-ELT

Pasquini, Luca; Avila, G.; Dekker, H.; Delabre, B.; D'Odorico, S.; Manescau, A.; Haehnelt, M.; Carswell, B.; Garcia-Lopez, R.; Lopez, R.; Osorio, M. T.; Rebolo, R.; Cristiani, S.; Bonifacio, P.; D'Odorico, V.; Molaro, P.; Spanò, P.; Zerbi, F.; Mayor, M.; Dessauges, M.; Megevand, D.; Pepe, F.; Queloz, D.; Udry, S.
Bibliographical reference

Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II. Edited by McLean, Ian S.; Casali, Mark M. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 7014, pp. 70141I-70141I-9 (2008).

Advertised on:
8
2008
Number of authors
24
IAC number of authors
3
Citations
0
Refereed citations
0
Description
A number of outstanding scientific problems require a high resolution, visual spectrograph at the E-ELT. Measuring the dynamics of the universe, finding earth-like planets with radial velocity techniques, determining the chemical evolution of the intergalactic medium and if physical constants varied in the past, all require a superior capability of measuring exceedingly small Doppler shifts. We have started a Phase A study for CODEX at the E-ELT. We present here the scientific cases, the requirements, the basic technical choices and trade offs, as well as a couple of design under evaluation. We aim at a super stable instrument, capable of obtaining a radial velocity precision of 2 cm/sec over several decades. It will be located at the coude focus. The design will make use of anamorphosis, pupil slicing, slanted VPH gratings and a novel calibration system based on laser frequency combs. Several CODEX-related R&D activities are running, and, in addition, a Call for Proposal for a precursor at the VLT has been issued.