Mid-IR Profiles at Gemini: Pushing the Frontier by Exploiting the Wings

通过这个项目，Telesco博士将在Gemini 8米望远镜上描述中红外图像轮廓的外观和稳定性，特别是机翼。它的动机是需要推动天文台的科学能力，因为有价值的信息隐藏在剖面翼中。Telesco博士和他的团队将与双子座工作人员合作，汇编和表征双子座中红外图像的各个方面（例如，斯特列尔比、半峰全宽、椭圆率、方位平均轮廓和轮廓翼中的方位结构）。这些量将在夜间和夜间之间进行比较，以确定每个参数特定值的出现频率。研究结果将用于评估Gemini在需要出色轮廓形状和稳定性的尖端中红外科学成像中的价值和作用。特别重要的是以下问题的答案：双子座多久实现一次给定成像标准所需的角分辨率和轮廓结构？鉴于这些统计数据，可以提出哪些科学计划，以期达到有效满足科学目标所需的图像质量？双子座中红外成像数据一旦到手，有哪些局限性？这个项目的成果将是重要的其他双子座科学计划，重点是探测附近的微弱功能明亮的物体，以及其对未来的双子座仪器的影响。研究生和本科生（或开始研究生）也将参与和培训的图像数据的分析。

Through this project, Dr. Telesco will characterize the appearance and stability of mid-infrared image profiles, particularly in the wings, at the Gemini 8-meter telescopes. It is motivated by the need to push the science capabilities of the observatory as valuable information is hidden in the profile wings. Dr. Telesco and his team will work with the Gemini staff to compile and characterize various aspects of Gemini mid-infrared images (e.g., Strehl ratios, full width at half maximum, ellipticities, azimuthally averaged profiles, and azimuthal structure in the profile wings). These quantities will be compared within and among nights to determine the frequency of occurrence of specific values for each parameter. The results will be used to assess the value and role of Gemini for cutting edge mid-infrared science imaging requiring excellent profile shape and stability. Of particular importance are the answers to questions such as: How often does Gemini achieve the angular resolution and profile structure necessary for a given imaging criterion? Given these statistics, what science programs can be proposed with an expectation of achieving the image quality needed to effectively meet the science goals? What are the limitations of Gemini mid-infrared imaging data once it is in hand?The outcomes of this project will be important for other Gemini science programs which focus on the detection of faint features near bright objects as well as its influence on future Gemini instrumentation. A graduate student and an undergraduate (or beginning graduate student) will also be involved and trained in the analysis of the image data.