Digital Micro-Mirror Device (DMD) Controller Development for INSIST Mission

Abstract

The Indian Spectroscopic and Imaging Space Telescope (INSIST) is a UV-optical 1m class space telescope expected to produce high-quality imaging and moderate-resolution spectra of astronomical sources. A Digital Micro-Mirror Device (DMD) will be used in front of the onboard multi-object spectrograph for sampling light coming from astronomical sources of interest in the light path. The role of DMD here is similar to the slit mask used in the conventional spectrographs. DMD comprises tiny mirror-lets arranged in the form of pixels that can be flipped between two pre-defined positions by applying digital signals. By selecting the appropriate pixels on the DMD, the required slit mask shape can be configured. The DMD controller will transfer the slit mask pattern to the DMD device. The controller will be interfacing with imaging electronics to get the information about the required mirror lets to be flipped to form a slit mask pattern. The controller will also send telemetry data to an onboard computer to monitor health. This controller can also be used for ground-based astronomy with minor interface modifications.