High-cadence near-infrared imaging. This project aims to deploy a cryogenic camera system to improve the outputs of astronomical telescopes. The system is equipped with an emerging detector technology, a near-infrared Avalanche Photo-Diode array, capable of high cadence imaging with frame rates of 10 - 1,000 Hz at a wavelength of around 2.2 microns. This new technology is a key component to the future of adaptive optics systems for astronomical telescopes as it allows the rapid measurements nece ....High-cadence near-infrared imaging. This project aims to deploy a cryogenic camera system to improve the outputs of astronomical telescopes. The system is equipped with an emerging detector technology, a near-infrared Avalanche Photo-Diode array, capable of high cadence imaging with frame rates of 10 - 1,000 Hz at a wavelength of around 2.2 microns. This new technology is a key component to the future of adaptive optics systems for astronomical telescopes as it allows the rapid measurements necessary to correct the image blurring introduced by the Earth's atmosphere. No expertise currently exists in Australia with this new technology. Capitalising on previous investment, the camera system is intended to fill a capability gap in local expertise and to ensure the potential of the next generation of telescopes is realised and strengthen our competitive edge for frontier instrumentation across the wider Australian imaging community.Read moreRead less
Mapping the dark matter with early type galaxies. Unidentified dark matter outweighs luminous matter (stars, gas, and galaxies) by several times and is detected by its gravitational effects in the Universe. The Six Degree Field Galaxy Survey is now complete and this project will prepare a larger survey, which will put the team clearly in the lead in understanding the distribution of dark matter.