Manoa Astronomical Technologies (MAT)
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University
Goals
To develop core competency in the physics of and the precision engineering principles necessary to develop astronomical instruments.
Issues
The Astronomical Instruments VIP team works on several aspects of precision engineering of telescopes and astronomical instruments. The team is working to build a 12” optical telescope as a platform for testing instruments. This project will also help to develop the core competency and understanding of optical physics necessary to drive the engineering design of other instruments and specific instruments. In connection, the team is also developing a full kinematic, dynamic, and thermal model of the UH88 telescope (88” mirror). This model will be used to evaluate renovations to the telescope and to understand the effects that additional test instruments attached to the telescope structure will have on the performance of the telescope. The team is also working on developing mirror mounting models and strategies to limit self-deflection and imposed moments on ever larger mirrors or mirror segments, compact shutters, diffraction grating manufacturing, and design implications of 3-D printing precision parts.
Tools and Methods
astronomical instruments
telescopes
precision engineering
optics
Desired Majors
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Math
Other majors
Prep
Other majors (business, communication, marketing, etc.) will be considered if the applicant has passion about astronomical instruments and an applicable, mutually beneficial focus can be found.