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

通过这个项目，Telesco博士将对双子座8米望远镜的中红外图像轮廓的外观和稳定性进行表征，特别是在机翼上。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员工合作，汇编和描述双子座中红外图像的各个方面(例如，斯特雷尔比、半高全宽、椭圆度、方位平均剖面和剖面翼的方位结构)。这些数量将在夜间内和夜间之间进行比较，以确定每个参数的特定值出现的频率。这些结果将用于评估双子座在尖端中红外科学成像方面的价值和作用，这些成像需要出色的轮廓形状和稳定性。特别重要的是对这样的问题的回答：双子座多久才能达到给定成像标准所需的角度分辨率和轮廓结构？根据这些统计数据，可以提出哪些科学计划，以期达到有效实现科学目标所需的图像质量？一旦掌握了双子座中红外成像数据，它的局限性是什么？该项目的结果将对其他双子座科学项目具有重要意义，这些项目专注于探测明亮物体附近的微弱特征，以及它对未来双子座仪器的影响。一名研究生和一名本科生(或初级研究生)也将参与图像数据的分析并接受培训。

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.