Abstract

Observations in the near- and far-infrared allow us to probe through cosmic clouds of gas and dust to uncover processes that are obscured at other wavelengths such as young stars embedded in dust clouds, thermal emission from the interstellar medium, and the birth of galaxies. However, cosmic infrared light is obstructed by Earth's atmosphere. As a result, infrared astrophysical instrumentation is often designed for use in space. As specific examples of technologies addressing the kind of science that can be performed at these wavelengths, I will discuss my contributions to two applications of infrared instrumentation: a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and the Cosmic Infrared Background ExpeRiment-2 (CIBER-2). I have developed the FTS for use as a calibration device to source far-infrared light with well-understood spectral characteristics. The motivation for such a device stems from the development of a novel spectrometer-on-a-chip design for far-infrared wavelengths. To test the prototype THz on-chip spectrometer, I have designed and am now fabricating the FTS, with an expected completion date of late 2022. In this thesis, I will discuss the motivation, optical configuration, thermal and mechanical design processes, and status of the FTS. This thesis also presents my contributions to CIBER-2, a sounding rocket experiment designed to distinguish the Epoch of Reionization from intra-halo light by characterizing fluctuations in the Extragalactic Background Light. This instrument, which collects images in both the near-infrared and the optical, completed a successful first flight from White Sands Missile Range on June 7th, 2021. I will discuss the performance of the instrument in its first flight as well as the improvements I have implemented that will lead to a successful second flight scheduled for early 2023.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Infrared astronomy; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Spectrometer--Design and construction

Publication Date

7-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Physics and Astronomy (COS)

Advisor

Michael Lam

Advisor/Committee Member

Michael Pierce

Advisor/Committee Member

Michael Zemcov

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ASTP-PHD

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