Astronomical Instrumentation for Ground- and Space- Based Telescopes
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
We propose a continuation of our successful rolling programme of research and development in astronomical instrumentation for ground- and space-based telescopes. The primary goals are to investigate key technologies for the next generation of large and extremely large telescopes which will rely heavily on adaptive optics to deliver their full scientific potential. Over the period 2007-2012 we propose to develop high fidelity simulations of adaptive optics systems and to test the performance of very high order wavefront correctors in the laboratory. We will also continue our joint programme with ESO to develop a next generation real-time control system for future adaptive optics systems and explore the use of new techniques in determining site the charachterisation parameters relevant to extremely large telescopes. We will continue to develop our in-house manufacturing capability for high precision micro-optics components and explore the potential of photonic crystal devices to deliver fundamental new capabilities in spectroscopic instrumentation.
Publications
Finn C
(2014)
A compact, metal-rich, kpc-scale outflow in FBQS J0209-0438: detailed diagnostics from HST/COS extreme UV observations
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Gardner E
(2014)
A physical model for the X-ray time lags of narrow-line Seyfert type 1 active galactic nuclei
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Basden A
(2014)
A real-time simulation facility for astronomical adaptive optics
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Basden Alastair
(2007)
Adaptive optics simulation performance improvements using reconfigurable logic
in APPLIED OPTICS
Axelsson M
(2014)
An imperfect double: probing the physical origin of the low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation and its harmonic in black hole binaries
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Harris J
(2014)
An investigation into the spectral properties of bright Fermi blazars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Vidal F
(2014)
Analysis of on-sky MOAO performance of CANARY using natural guide stars
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Bitenc U
(2014)
Assessing the stability of an ALPAO deformable mirror for feed-forward operation.
in Optics express
Content R
(2012)
CEOI microslice spectrograph
Abramowski A
(2014)
DISCOVERY OF THE HARD SPECTRUM VHE ?-RAY SOURCE HESS J1641-463
in The Astrophysical Journal
Description | Waveguide |
Organisation | Heriot-Watt University |
Department | Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Design & applications. |
Collaborator Contribution | New opportunities for projects. Student training opportunities. |
Impact | Joint publications with R Thompson. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Title | Image Slicers |
Description | Diamond-machining of reflective image slicers for integral field (area) spectroscopy with form errors and surface roughness errors <10nm. Optics, active and adaptive optics, mirrors, aspherics, interferometers, photonics |
Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
Year Produced | 2011 |
Impact | Key technology in KMOS multi-integral field spectrometer for ESO VLT. This was the first UK-led facility instrument for the ESO VLT. |
Title | Microslice Hyperspectral Imager |
Description | A new approach to snapshot hyperspectral imaging based on microlens array technology has been developed. Optics, active and adaptive optics, mirrors, aspherics, interferometers, photonics |
Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Impact | Potential applications in security sector in addition to environment. CLASP award applied for. |