Applications of Tunable Imaging Filters for the VLT

Abstract

Tunable imaging filters have been used for a variety of science programmes on the Anglo-Australian and William Herschel Telescopes during the last five years. This contribution describes these novel devices and reviews the science (both Galactic and extragalactic) done with them. Possible strategies for implementing a tunable filter at the VLT are also discussed. Significant scientific potential exists for a tunable filter on the VLT, particularly in the years before such capability becomes available on 8 -- 10 m-class telescopes elsewhere.

To appear in the proceedings of the ESO workshop on "Scientific Drivers for ESO Future VLT/VLTI Instrumentation", edited by J. Bergeron and G. Monnet and published by Springer-Verlag