NAIR: Novel Astronomical Instrumentation through photonic Reformatting

Abstract

The project "Novel Astronomical Instrumentation based on photonic light Reformating" is a DFG-funded collaboration to exploit the recognized potential of photonics solutions for a radically new approach to astronomical instrumentation for optical/infrared high precision spectroscopy and high angular resolution imaging. We present a project overview and initial development results from our Adaptive Optics-photonic test bed, Ultrafast Laser Inscribed waveguides for interferometric beam combination and 3D printing structures for astronomical instrumentation. The project is expected to lead to important technological breakthroughs facilitating uniquely functionality and technical solutions for the next generation of instrumentation.