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Caltech

Optica Student Chapter Lecture Series

Thursday, July 25, 2024
2:00pm to 4:00pm
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Moore B270
Astrophotonics and their application to the CHARA Array
Aline Dinkelaker, Scientist, Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP),
Nemanja Jovanovic, Optics and Systems Group Lead, Caltech Optical Observatories (COO),
Nic Scott, Telescope Systems Scientist, CHARA Array,

Abstract

Astrophotonics - photonics for astronomy- is key to future advancements in instrumentation, e.g., for high resolution and high contrast astronomy. This talk will highlight the benefits and potential of photonics for instruments in (interferometric) observatories and for future planet finder missions. Astrophotonics offer significant advances in high angular resolution instruments, enabling advances in stellar astrophysics, circumstellar environments, and characterizing exoplanets. The CHARA Array exemplifies this, achieving the highest angular resolution in astronomy. Current uses of astrophotonics at CHARA include integrated optics beam combiners and up-conversion of light. Future developments, such as nullers, spectrographs on chips, and quantum-enabled technologies, promise further enhancements. The addition of the 7th telescope (CMAP), enables new imaging capabilities with baselines up to 600m and future expansions beyond 1 km, paving the way for micro-arcsecond astronomy. The new CHARIOT beam combiner will be facilitating rapid prototyping and evaluation of integrated optics components from the lab to the sky. 

For more information, please contact Ben Gutierrez by email at [email protected].