Weak Gravitational Lensing Emulation in the Lab
Abstract
The Precision Projector (PP) is a joint project between Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that tests image sensors for upcoming astronomy missions. Our principal instrument - an Offner-based re-imaging system (a.k.a. “the Projector”) - casts precisely controlled images and spectra onto CCD, CMOS or IR detectors. With known input signals and a model for the output, the measured images allow us to characterize detectors and quantitatively understand their non-idealities. The projector can also emulate astronomical data (e.g. stars and galaxies) in order to assess the impact of the detectors on real data and forecast mission performance. The primary goal of the PP, which began in 2008, is to emulate weak gravitational lensing surveys by projecting galaxy images at the cadence and intensity of the WFIRST mission. We have since expanded our infrastructure and personnel to address other astronomical applications that rely on inferences from small numbers of pixels (e.g. exoplanet searches and adaptive optics) and to include the ability to project spectra.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22115309S