A Programme of Astronomical Instrumentation and High-Energy Astrophysics at Durham 2013-2015
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
We propose to consolidate our successful rolling programme of research and development in astronomical instrumentation for ground- and space-based telescopes with observational and theoretical work in high-energy astrophysics. Over the period 2013-2015 we will make high-fidelity laboratory experiments to assess the applicability of adaptive optics correction down to visible wavelengths, and exploit data from vertical turbulence profiling equipment to study the effects of low-altitude turbulence on telescope performance. We will also continue our joint programme with ESO to develop the next generation of real-time control systems for future adaptive optics systems, and undertake a development programme using our in-house manufacturing capability to deliver high-precision large-diameter diamond-machined optics for next-generation instruments. We will explore the application of photonics technologies to improving the versatility and efficiency of future astronomical spectrographs using fibre switches and image-stabilising optics. Our rolled up high energy astrophysics programme will use data from new hard X-ray satellites to study extreme accretion flows around compact objects, and will develop an outreach programme for the next-generation high energy gamma ray facility, the Cherenkov Telescope Array.
Planned Impact
The research will benefit UK astronomers by providing them with new technologies for implementing advanced modes of astronomical adaptive optics and improving the efficiency of optical/infrared spectroscopy. Astronomers worldwide will benefit from the synergy with technology developments at other observatories. Industry will benefit from cutting-edge developments of their systems (particularly real-time computing) and in supplying COTS items to the programme. The field of high-energy astrophysics will be moved forward by access to new data from hard X-ray telescopes, and by an effective outreach programme for CTA which helps secure future UK involvement.
Organisations
Publications
{H.~E.~S.~S.~Collaboration} And {Abramowski}, A. And {Aharonian}, F. And {Ait Benkhali}, F. And {Akhperjanian}, A.~G. And {Ang{\"u}ner}, E. And {Anton}, G. And {Backes}, M. And {Balenderan}, S. And {Balzer}, A. And Et Al.
(2014)
Search for extended {$\gamma$}-ray emission around AGN with H.E.S.S. and Fermi-LAT
in \aap
{H.E.S.S.~Collaboration} And {Abramowski}, A. And {Acero}, F. And {Aharonian}, F. And {Akhperjanian}, A.~G. And {Anton}, G. And {Balenderan}, S. And {Balzer}, A. And {Barnacka}, A. And {Becherini}, Y. And {Becker Tjus}, J. And {Bernl{\"o}hr}, K. And {Birsin}, E. And {Biteau}, J. And {Bochow}, A. And {Boisson}, C. And {Bolmont}, J. And {Bordas}, P. And {Brucker}, J. And {Brun}, F. And {Brun}, P. And {Bulik}, T. And {Carrigan}, S. And {Casanova}, S. And {Cerruti}, M. And {Chadwick}, P.~M. And {Ch
(2013)
Search for very-high-energy {$\gamma$}-ray emission from Galactic globular clusters with H.E.S.S.
in \aap
{Abramowski}, A. And {Acero}, F. And {Aharonian}, F. And {Akhperjanian}, A.~G. And {Anton}, G. And {Balzer}, A. And {Barnacka}, A. And {Barres De Almeida}, U. And {Becherini}, Y. And {Becker}, J. And {Behera}, B. And {Bernl{\"o}hr}, K. And {Birsin}, E. And {Biteau}, J. And {Bochow}, A. And {Boisson}, C. And {Bolmont}, J. And {Bordas}, P. And {Brucker}, J. And {Brun}, F. And {Brun}, P. And {Bulik}, T. And {B{\"u}sching}, I. And {Carrigan}, S. And {Casanova}, S. And {Cerruti}, M. And {Chadwick},
(2014)
Erratum: ''Search for Dark Matter Annihilation Signals from the Fornax Galaxy Cluster with H.E.S.S.''
(2012, ApJ, 750, 123)
in \apj
Straub O
(2013)
The effect of advection at luminosities close to Eddington: The ULX in M 31
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Nebot Gómez-Morán A
(2013)
The XMM-Newton SSC survey of the Galactic plane
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Collaboration H
(2013)
Discovery of TeV ? -ray emission from PKS 0447-439 and derivation of an upper limit on its redshift
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Acharya B
(2013)
Introducing the CTA concept
in Astroparticle Physics
Krawczynski H
(2016)
X-ray polarimetry with the Polarization Spectroscopic Telescope Array (PolSTAR)
in Astroparticle Physics
Hahn J
(2014)
Impact of aerosols and adverse atmospheric conditions on the data quality for spectral analysis of the H.E.S.S. telescopes
in Astroparticle Physics
Mezcua M
(2013)
Radio observations of extreme ULXs: revealing the most powerful ULX radio nebula ever or the jet of an intermediate-mass black hole?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
| Description | This bridging award enabled a continued programme of underpinning research in 4 key areas of (i) adaptive optics, (ii) atmospheric characterisation, (iii) real-time control systems, (iv) 3D imaging and spectroscopy. One area research programme on freeform optics manufacture was not supported. Key findings are listed in the publications (especially SPIE) associated with this grant. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this award fed directly into a continuing programme of technology development funded as part of our first Consolidated Grant. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine |