Next generation deep redshift surveys with the vlt

Abstract

The next generation of deep redshift surveys will need to considerably expand redshift coverage and survey volume to satisfy the need for robust and unbiased statistical measurements of the evolutionary properties of galaxies and large scale structure. To maintain the leading edge of the European community in this field will require the development of new instruments: in particular a ‘NIRMOS-like’ uncooled multi-slit spectrograph expanding the high multiplex ( 200) capabilities to the near infrared, and a ‘MegaMOS’ offering an order of magnitude increase in field of view and multiplex (∼ 10 000) in the visible. Next generation surveys will also require large allocations of time over several years. A change in VLT time allocation policy will be necessary to enable continued support from ESO and the community.