Astronomy 512 Infrared (and Optical) Instrumentation ... · Astronomy 512 Infrared (and Optical) Instrumentation Techniques Mike Skrutskie et al. Tu Th 12:301:45 +++ “Cultural”

Astronomy 512 Infrared (and Optical) Instrumentation Techniques

Mike Skrutskie et al. Tu Th 12:301:45 +++

● “ Cultural” exposure to basic instrumentation concepts and techniques● Mechanics and mechanical design ● Optics and optical design● Detector and array technology● Electronic interface and data collection● Vacuum and cryogenics● Telescope interface● Infrared observing techniques● Space-based instrumentation and observation

Course Objectives

Reinforcement through handson openended lab experiments

Objective: Foster an intuitive approach to experimental problem solving emphasizing the simple and elegant.

Objective: Foster an intuitive approach to expermental problem solving emphasizing the simple and elegant.

Noting and reporting the readings of dials... is nothing. Another kind of observation is what counts: the uncanny ability to pick out what is odd, wrong, instructive or distorted in the antics of one's equipment. (Ian Hacking)

Objective: Foster an intuitive approach to expermental problem solving emphasizing the simple and elegant.

Website http://www.astro.virginia.edu/class/skrutskie/a512/

Approximately bi-weekly assignments● Open-ended group/team lab activities

➢ documented in an individual notebook● Occasional pen and paper problems ● End of semester presentation.● End of semester project in lieu of final exam.

Course particulars

Textbook: No single one can suffice

Moore et al. Building Scientific ApparatusRieke Detection of LightGeary Introduction to Lens DesignSchroeder Astronomical OpticsMcLean Electronic Imaging in AstronomyRGL Diffraction Grating Handbook (free!)Horowitz and Hill The Art of Electronics

Approximately 1.5 classroom meetings per week. 0.5 class periods/week in labsubstantial out-of-class time in lab

(equivalent to problem set time in other graduate courses)

Possible Course OutlineJan 24 Course (dis)OrganizationJan 31 Historical Infrared Astronomy Herschel ExperimentFeb 7 Dissection of a Modern Instrument - TripleSpecFeb 14 Mechanics and Mechanical Design Cryo Temperature Control Feb 21 cryogenics and vacuumFeb 28 Optical design and Raytracing Achromatic refractor, Imaging aberrations Mar 7 Spring BreakMar 14 Photovoltaic detectors InSb Photodiode Mar 21 bolometryMar 28 Analog electronics Temperature compensated JFET amplifierApril 4 amplifiers and noiseApril 11 Digital electronics and computer interface LabviewApril 18 Dispersion and Spectroscopy Breadboard infrared spectrographApril 25 Practical infrared astronomy Fan Observing and DIMMMay 2 Optical fabrication and testing Laser fringes

Potential additional topics: Interferometry, space astronomy, IR optimization of telescopes,....

Telescope Optics

Raytracing

The atmosphere and atmospheric optics

Detectors

Electronics

Mechanics, Vacuum, and Cryogenics

Spectral Dispersion

Techniques and Skills

Mechanical drawingRaytracingSoldering techniquesFamiliarity with basic test equipment – DVM's, oscilloscopes,...Basic LabView exposureVacuum and cryogenic proceduresOptics handlingElectrostatic precautionsScrounging

Virginia Instrumentation

Five main projects ranging from commissioned to drawing-board

● CorMASS – a peripatetic low resolution (R=300) cross-dispersed near-infrared spectrograph now at the APO 3.5-meter (in operation since 1999).

● FanCam – A 1024x1024 near-infrared camera/spectrograph/polarimeter for the Fan Mountain 31” telescope (in operation since 2004).

● TripleSpec – A next-generation moderate resolution (R=3000) spectrograph for the APO 3.5-meter (delivery in early 2007)

● LMIRcam – A mid-infrared imager for the combined Fizeau interferometric focus of the LBT

● InGaAs array development – Collaborate with Sensors Unlimited to introduce a new and “ inexpensive” detector material to 0.8-2.3um astronomy.















● TripleSpec – A next-generation moderate resolution (R=3000) spectrograph for the APO 3.5-meter (delivery in early 2007)

LMIRcam

0.1 arcsec

InGaAs Detector Development

PAIRITEL The Peters Automated Infrared Telescope, a brainchild of Josh

Bloom at Berkeley, is a fully automated 1.3-meter telescope based on retired 2MASS hardware UVa receives 15% on the automated queue scheduled telescope in

return for providing a 2MASS camera.

Discovery of the Infrared (Herschel 1800)

1804 Experimental determination that 'dark rays' do not penetrate glass (Leslie)

Herschel, W, 1800 Philosophical Transactions, v 90, p284.

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Astronomy 512 Infrared (and Optical) Instrumentation ... · Astronomy 512 Infrared (and Optical) Instrumentation Techniques Mike Skrutskie et al. Tu Th 12:301:45 +++ “Cultural”