Description
A new generation of observatories dedicated to multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) are required to follow up on current and future all-sky imaging surveys. These facilities demand a step change in multiplex and efficiency compared to contemporary instrumentation, bringing profound engineering challenges. This paper will explore current technology development associated with the Wide-field Spectroscopic Telescope (WST), a proposed 12m telescope with more than 20,000 fibres covering the visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Focusing on front-end hardware architecture, it will first describe the state-of-the-art from MOS instruments like MOONS, 4MOST and DESI, the engineering consequences of the required increase in multiplex and efficiency, then will discuss the technology development programme currently underway at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh to develop novel fibre positioner mechanisms, fibre management systems, control electronics and software to address the WST requirements.
