NIFS : A Near Infrared Imaging Fabry-Perot Spectrometer

Abstract

We describe here a Near-Infrared Imaging Fabry-Perot Spectrometer (NIFS ) operating in the K band to provide a maximum spectral resolution of 2000-3000 over two optional fields of view of ~ 2? x 2? and 4? x 4? with plate scales of 0.5? and 1? / pixel respectively. N I F S is an add-on instrument to an existing infrared camera with a 256x256 HgCdTe array detector. The instrument is operational with a 1.2 m telescope to primarily work on star forming regions and starburst galaxies which strongly emit in several diagnostically important lines within the K band. The design, testing and operation of NIFS are discussed in the light of preliminary observations made on the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex.