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
Shepherd H
(2014)
Stereo-SCIDAR: optical turbulence profiling with high sensitivity using a modified SCIDAR instrument
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Basden A. G.
(2017)
On-sky demonstration of matched filters for wavefront measurements using ELT-scale elongated laser guide stars
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Middleton M
(2015)
A spectral-timing model for ULXs in the supercritical regime
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Mezcua M
(2015)
The powerful jet of an off-nuclear intermediate-mass black hole in the spiral galaxy NGC 2276
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Basden A
(2015)
Investigation of POWER8 processors for astronomical adaptive optics real-time control
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sutton A
(2015)
The hyperluminous X-ray source candidate in IC 4320: another HLX bites the dust
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Sutton A
(2013)
A bright ultraluminous X-ray source in NGC 5907
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Starling R
(2014)
The story of Seyfert galaxy RE J2248-511: from intriguingly ultrasoft to unremarkably average
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Jia P
(2015)
Real-time generation of atmospheric turbulence phase screen with non-uniform fast Fourier transform
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Hardy L
(2015)
pt5m - a 0.5 m robotic telescope on La Palma
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 |