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
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
Walton D
(2013)
X-RAY OUTFLOWS AND SUPER-EDDINGTON ACCRETION IN THE ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCE HOLMBERG IX X-1
in The Astrophysical Journal
Middleton M
(2013)
Broad absorption features in wind-dominated ultraluminous X-ray sources?
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Algorri JF
(2013)
Modal liquid crystal array of optical elements.
in Optics express
Aliu E
(2013)
LONG-TERM TeV AND X-RAY OBSERVATIONS OF THE GAMMA-RAY BINARY HESS J0632+057
in The Astrophysical Journal
Straub O
(2013)
The effect of advection at luminosities close to Eddington: The ULX in M 31
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Sutton A
(2013)
A bright ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 5907
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gladstone J
(2013)
OPTICAL COUNTERPARTS OF THE NEAREST ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES
in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Jin C
(2013)
A long XMM-Newton observation of an extreme narrow-line Seyfert 1: PG 1244+026
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Allington-Smith J
(2013)
End effects in optical fibres
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Yamada S
(2013)
HIGHLY IONIZED Fe-K ABSORPTION LINE FROM CYGNUS X-1 IN THE HIGH/SOFT STATE OBSERVED WITH SUZAKU
in The Astrophysical Journal
Prestwich A
(2013)
ULTRA-LUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES IN THE MOST METAL POOR GALAXIES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Acharya B
(2013)
Introducing the CTA concept
in Astroparticle Physics
Sutton A
(2013)
The ultraluminous state revisited: fractional variability and spectral shape as diagnostics of super-Eddington accretion
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Abramowski A
(2013)
Constraints on axionlike particles with H.E.S.S. from the irregularity of the PKS 2155 - 304 energy spectrum
in Physical Review D
Gardner E
(2013)
Jets and the accretion flow in low-luminosity black holes
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Föhring D
(2013)
ULTRACAM z'-band detection of the secondary eclipse of WASP-12b
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Nebot Gómez-Morán A
(2013)
The XMM-Newton SSC survey of the Galactic plane
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
{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
Gandhi P
(2013)
REFLECTION-DOMINATED NUCLEAR X-RAY EMISSION IN THE EARLY-TYPE GALAXY ESO 565-G019
in The Astrophysical Journal
Catala L
(2013)
Optical turbulence characterization at the SAAO Sutherland site
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Done C
(2013)
A new way to measure supermassive black hole spin in accretion disc-dominated active galaxies
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Shidatsu M
(2013)
THE ACCRETION DISK AND IONIZED ABSORBER OF THE 9.7 hr DIPPING BLACK HOLE BINARY MAXI J1305-704
in The Astrophysical Journal
Heida M
(2013)
VLT/FORS2 observations of four high-luminosity ULX candidates?
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 |