The ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is collaborating with the National Astronomical Observatory Japan to develop a next-generation Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system for installation on the 8-meter optical-infrared Subaru telescope at the summit of Maunakea, Hawaii.

GLAO is part of ULTIMATE-Subaru, a major instrumentation project led by the Subaru Telescope in collaboration with world-leading astronomers, adaptive optics and laser scientists and engineers from institutions in Australia (ANU), Japan (Tohoku University) and Taiwan (Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, ASIAA). The RSAA participation in GLAO includes the Laser Guide Star Facility and the Wavefront Sensors subsystem, two key elements for the success of GLAO.

The Laser Guide Star Facility (LGSF) generates four artificial stars on the sky after splitting two high power lasers into four beams. The wavefront sensor subsystem measures the atmospheric turbulence using these four laser guide stars and four additional natural guide stars, up to a total of eight wavefront sensors.

Short- and long-term projects are offered for the students to develop their research and technical skills, as well as gaining work experience in a multi-disciplinary research environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to contact the project team and inquire about current and potential research projects. Prior experience in at least two of the following disciplines is required: physics, optics/optical engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation, laser systems, control systems, computer science. Students with science communication experience and/or prior experience bringing the arts and science together within STEAM initiatives (STEAM=Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) are also encouraged and welcome to inquire about possible projects.