Report of the NGST Mid{IR Camera/Spectrograph Sub{Committee

As directed by the NGST Project Scientist, we have attempted to review the science case and preliminary instrument concepts for the Next Generation Space Telescope with the goal of making recommendations regarding mid{infrared imaging and spectroscopy. We nd that the programs enabled by a mid{infrared capability are crucial to successfully carrying out the science mission of NGST and strongly urge one of the three NGST instruments be devoted the mid{infrared. Furthermore, we believe there are no diÆculties which make the inclusion of a mid{infrared capability technically or scally unfeasible for the NGST project. A variety of credible instrument concepts have been studied and all have advantages and disadvantages for carrying{out specic science programs. We have chosen not to advocate a particular instrument concept, but rather to articulate the capabilities required in order to complete the NGST core science: a two-channel system with short-wavelength (4.5-12 m) and long- wavelength (12 to> 28.3+ m) imaging and low-resolution (R = 1-300) spectroscopic capability with matched> 2'x2 ' FOV Nyquist sampled at 5 and 12 m respectively. R 3000 spectroscopic mode capable of achieving full spectral coverage from 4.5-28.3+ m over a 10 " 10 " FOV. pupil and/or focal plane coronagraphic mask options in the camera. 1