Project description
Strengthening optomechanics development for space exploration
Optomechanics are critical to the performance of powerful telescopes which require minimal mass while satisfying severe shape and performance requirements, including tolerating the largest gravity forces. A structural principle called tensegrity, or tension integrity, will be fundamental to meeting the sometimes-conflicting requirements. The Institute of Astrophysics, Canary Islands (IAC) runs two of the best international observatories. The EU-funded LIOM project will help the IAC create an ERA Chair and laboratory for innovation in optomechanics. The Chair will spearhead projects to develop new optical and tensegrity technologies for the next generation of telescopes aimed at high-contrast imaging of exoplanets around very bright stars to enable the search for signs of life.
Objective
"Enabling large optical systems capable of resolving and measuring faint sources not accessible with current remote sensing instruments and detectors is the scientific overarching aim of LIOM by creating and sustain an excellent ERA Chairs optics and photonics' technology group of experimental physicists and astronomers, engineers, and technicians with an innovative optics and photonics technology environment. Under the leadership of the outstanding researcher and research manager Prof. Jeffrey Kuhn we aim to build a collaboration that will lead to the development of the next 50 years of astronomical telescopes - be they on the ground, space, or the moon.
The main objective is to build new capacities at the IAC, Canary Islands, to develop new optical and tensegrity technologies to incorporate into the next generation of telescopes aimed at high-contrast imaging of exoplanets around very bright stars to enable the search for signs of life. We've called this an ""ExoLife Finder (ELF)"" telescope but this direct imaging technology is equally important, for example, for the commercial study of man-made satellites in the terrestrial to CISLunar environments. LIOM optics technologies will also have important social benefits, for example the new ultra-thin and light mirrors created during this program would be key components of Earth-orbiting optically-linked satellites that will constitute the next phase of the ""world-wide web"" - the space-based global optical internet.
With the implementation of this ERA Chairs project, the IAC will enlarge its outstanding flagship in Europe and beyond, specifically in the field of optical remote sensing technologies for astronomical purposes, exemplifying not only the achievements in R&I and its capacity development or competitiveness, but also the creation of synergies with leading American and European institutions."
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternet
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticscavity optomechanics
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringremote sensing
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesnatural satellites
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetsexoplanetology
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedCoordinator
38205 San Cristobal De La Laguna
Spain