Imagine a groundbreaking leap in our understanding of how planets form, made possible by an advanced telescope instrument at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). With the generous support of a $2 million donation from the Kavli Foundation and contributions from individual donors, astronomers from UCSC and UCLA are set to create a state-of-the-art tool designed specifically for observing the birth of planets around nearby stars.
Leading this exciting initiative is associate professor Kevin Bundy from UCSC. He will spearhead the design and development of the world’s first facility-grade astrophotonic instrument, which will be installed on the Shane 3-meter Telescope at Lick Observatory. This innovative device will significantly enhance our ability to detect planets that are typically obscured by the bright light emitted from their parent stars—a major hurdle in current astronomical research.
This funding marks a continuation of Lick Observatory's longstanding legacy of pioneering new technologies in astronomy over recent decades. "This would be the first astrophotonic instrument of its kind in the world," Bundy emphasized. "Lick is one of only two telescopes globally where cutting-edge astrophotonic technologies are routinely tested."
Bundy’s expertise lies in observational astronomy, particularly in mapping galaxies' distribution, properties, and internal structures to answer crucial questions about their formation and evolution. He is recognized as a leader in instrumentation projects for large telescopes, focusing on the field of astrophotonics to develop innovative tools that can significantly elevate the capabilities of future astronomical instruments.
The concept of photonics dates back to the lasers and masers developed in the 1960s. While electronic devices depend on the flow of electrons, photonic devices manipulate photons, which are essentially particles of light. One of the most well-known uses of photonics today is in telecommunications, where extensive fiber-optic networks transmit data across the globe.
In the past 15 years, the field of astrophotonics has emerged, aiming to adapt this essential technology for enhancing astronomical observations. The photons utilized in astrophotonics originate from vast distances in space, having traversed quadrillions of miles before reaching Earth’s instruments. By directing and manipulating this cosmic light, astrophotonic equipment can achieve greater precision, lower costs, and introduce new capabilities for astronomical studies compared to traditional methods.
At UCLA, Bundy's collaborator is Pradip Gatkine, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy who specializes in developing chips that utilize astrophotonic technology. The project will receive funding from a new Kavli Foundation award totaling $3.7 million over four years. This initiative aims to boost discoveries in planetary and stellar science by fostering the creation of innovative technologies for mid-sized observatories.
By providing established observatories with advanced instruments, the Kavli Foundation’s Instrumentation for Astrophysics program seeks to broaden the scientific capabilities of telescopes ranging from 2 to 5 meters in size, unveil new scientific findings, and showcase technologies that might later be adopted by larger flagship observatories.
In recent years, Bundy and his fellow researchers at UCSC have been working on a project known as Astrophotonic Advancement at Lick Observatory (APALO). This initiative aims to enhance the existing platform by integrating photonic devices, improving the adaptive optics interface, and ensuring comprehensive support for the observatory.
The APALO leadership team includes notable figures such as professors Rebecca Jensen-Clem and Steph Salum, along with postdoctoral researcher Emiel Por. Additionally, staff astronomer Ellie Gates and principal telescope technician Dan Espinosa have played crucial roles in this development. The foundational concept for APALO was part of the Ph.D. thesis of astronomy and astrophysics graduate student Matt DeMartino.
The collaboration between the Kavli Foundation and philanthropist Keven Wells on this project signifies a significant step forward in the quest for knowledge about our universe.
