Related papers: The Durham Micro-Optics Programme
Multi-object or integral field spectrographs are recognized techniques for achieving simultaneous spectroscopic observations of different or extended sky objects with a high multiplex factor. In this communication is described a…
Integral-field-spectroscopy and multi-object-spectroscopy provide the high multiplex gain required for efficient use of the upcoming generation of extremely large telescopes. We present instrument developments and designs for both concepts,…
Integrated optics are used to achieve astronomical interferometry inside robust and compact materials, improving the instrument's stability and sensitivity. In order to perform differential phase measurements at the H$\alpha$ line (656.3…
It has been recently demonstrated that integrated optics could enhance accuracy, stability, and ease of use of stellar interferometry techniques. The subject of this thesis is the study of an optical component based on singlemode waveguides…
An Integral Field Unit (IFU) based on image-slicers has been added to the GREGOR Infrared Spectrograph (GRIS). This upgrade to the instrument makes possible 2D spectropolarimetry in the near-infrared by simultaneously recording the full…
The Durham Adaptive Optics Simulation Platform (DASP) is a Monte-Carlo modelling tool used for the simulation of astronomical and solar adaptive optics systems. In recent years, this tool has been used to predict the expected performance of…
We discuss recently emerging applications of the state-of-art deep learning methods on optical microscopy and microscopic image reconstruction, which enable new transformations among different modes and modalities of microscopic imaging,…
Adaptive optics (AO) instruments for the future extremely large telescopes (ELTs) are characterized by advanced optical systems with diffraction-limited optical quality. Low geometric distortion is also crucial for high accuracy astrometric…
Future far-infrared astrophysics observatories will require focal plane arrays containing thousands of ultra-sensitive, superconducting detectors, each of which needs to be optically coupled to the telescope. At longer wavelengths, many…
This article reports the advances on the development of mid-infrared integrated optics for stellar interferometry. The devices are fabricated by laser writing techniques on chalcogenide glasses. Laboratory characterizaton is reported and…
Varifocal lenses, conventionally implemented by changing the axial distance between multiple optical elements, have a wide range of applications in imaging and optical beam scanning. The use of conventional bulky refractive elements makes…
Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS) provides a spectrum simultaneously for each spatial sample of an extended, two-dimensional field. It consists of an Integral Field Unit (IFU) which slices and re-arranges the initial field along the…
Optics for future X-ray telescopes will be characterized by very large aperture and focal length, and will be made of lightweight materials like glass or plastic in order to keep the total mass within acceptable limits. Optics based on thin…
Metasurface lenses are miniature flat lenses that can precisely control the phase, amplitude, and polarization of incident light by modulating the parameters of each unit on the substrate. Compared with conventional optical lenses, they…
In astronomy, image slicer integral field units (IFUs) are often used in integral field spectrographs to simultaneously record spatial and spectral information. The majority of astronomical instruments, including integral field…
Multi-dielectric coated coverslip can be designed to reach large optical field enhancements when working under proper illumination conditions and in total internal reflection. In an objective-based total internal reflection fluorescence…
The need for optically multi-functional micro- and nano-structures is growing in various fields. Designing such structures is impeded by the lack of computationally low-cost algorithms. In this study, we present a hybrid design scheme,…
We cast diffraction-based interferometry in the framework of post-selected unitary description towards enabling it as a platform for quantum information processing. We express slit-diffraction as an infinite-dimensional transformation and…
We present fore-optics and calibration unit design of Devasthal Optical Telescope Integral Field Spectrograph (DOTIFS). DOTIFS fore-optics is designed to modify the focal ratio of the light and to match its plate scale to the physical size…
Current optical manipulation techniques rely on carefully engineered setups and samples. Although similar conditions are routinely met in research laboratories, it is still a challenge to manipulate microparticles when the environment is…