The SMILES Mid-Infrared Survey

Understand

The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) for JWST is supplied with a suite of imaging bandpass filters optimized for full spectral coverage in eight intermediate-width bands from 5 to 26 microns and a narrower one at 11.3 microns.

• This contrasts with previous infrared space telescopes, which generally have provided only two broad bands, one near 10 microns and the other near 20 microns.
• The expanded MIRI spectral capability provides new possibilities for detailed interpretation of survey results.
• This is an important feature of the instrument, on top of its great increase in sensitivity and angular resolution over any previous mission.