A Training Program in Adaptive Optics at the University of Chicago (Graduate Research Traineeship)

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A Training Program in Adaptive Optics (AO) at the University of Chicago Adaptive optics compensates for the effect of turbulence in the earth's atmosphere and enables large ground-based telescopes to observe the universe with much of the clarity of space-based observatories. The program at the University of Chicago provides training for both Ph.D level scientists expert in this new technology as well as for training Ph.D level optical astronomers in the application of adaptive optics technology and techniques. The program consists of three parts: 1) Course work in astronomy, high resolution imaging and mathematical techniques in image processing and data analysis. 2) A laboratory program which develops new technology. This includes building deformable mirrors, ultra low noise detectors, and using high speed digital computers as well as developing new algorithms to process the data. A 2 watt dye laser will be built and used for laser beacon tests in Arizona and New Mexico. A much more powerful new solid state laser will also be used to generate artificial beacons in the upper atmosphere. 3) A research program which builds adaptive optics systems and uses them on large astronomical telescopes. A SD10 69 actuator adaptive optics system will be moved to Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin where it will be used as the first AO system to feed a very high resolution spectrograph to be used for research on stellar seismology and a search for planets around stars. Two other systems are being built by students for use at the 3.5 meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico. These will be the first laser beacon adaptive optics systems available for astronomy. Students are encouraged to work with faculty to pursue new lines of astronomical investigations opened up by use of data from the facility and to improve the means of enhancing and interpreting the data.