Invited Presentation

The Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer for SPICA: general overview and Taiwan's contribution

Ciska Kemper (ASIAA)

The Mid-Infrared Camera and Spectrometer (MCS) is a focal-plane instrument for SPICA developed in collaboration between Japan and Taiwan. It will operate from 5-38 micron and features both imaging and spectroscopic observing modes. The camera consists of short and a long wavelength part, each allowing for ~18 different filters to provide a good photometric and grism coverage over the full wavelength range. The spectroscopic capabilities are covered by two slit modes: HRS-L with a spectral resolution of 20,000-30,000 and a wavelength coverage of 12-18 micron, and MRS-L/S a spectral resolution of 1000-2000 and a wavelength coverage of 12.2 - 37.5 micron. In this talk I will provide a general overview of the instrument and its capabilities. I will also discuss specific science cases, in line with the three major scientific objectives defined by JAXA (birth and evolution of galaxies; planetary system formation; the life cycle of dust in the Universe). Although a relatively new partner to the SPICA project, Taiwan boasts a growing infrared community, and proves to be a strong partner in the MCS instrument. I will highlight the role of the Taiwanese community in the technical development of MCS, as well as the contributions of Taiwan-based astronomers to the development of the science case for MCS.