Astronomical Observations & Optical Communication through Atmospheric Turbulence

Recording: https://www.oact.inaf.it/seminars/

DATE: Friday, December 1, 11:30 a.m.

ORGANIZER: INAF OACT

LOCATION: AULA OVEST (INAF-OACT) + remote

Link for the remote audience:
https://meet.google.com/wvf-uwxo-oyj

SPEAKER: Dr. Aziz Ziad (Université Côte d’Azur)

ABSTRACT:
The atmospheric parameters have a strong impact on the image formation through the atmosphere. Indeed, the effect of atmospheric turbulence on wavefronts reduces severely the resolution of ground-based astronomical observations. Thus, in the context of astronomical observations, the site-selection has now become essential with the advent of the next generation of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELT). Indeed, it is important to choose sites with reduced cloud coverage, weak turbulence and low aerosol distribution in order to enhance observations time and to improve their scientific performance. It is also important to remember that the choice of sites hosting astronomical projects must meet very strict criteria in terms of optical quality. Future optical communications and telemetry stations will be forced to meet the same requirements.

Beyond Site-Testing and Site-Selection for Astronomical Observations or Optical Communications, precise knowledge of atmospheric turbulence parameters is of interest for the technical specifications of the Adaptive Optics (AO) systems dedicated to real-time correction of the atmospheric turbulence. In addition, the CN2(h) profiles (as well as wind and outer scale profiles) with high vertical resolution is necessary for a better evaluation of the performance of AO systems. A large number of monitors have been developed for this purpose, particularly with the emergence of ELT projects, but very few meet the required need. Recently, a new station has been developed in the framework of a European consortium and a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). This ANAtOLIA station is a compact mobile high-performance station, equipped with the most performing instruments leading to the whole atmospheric parameters.

ANATOLIA is a ESA funded project aimed to study, among other topics, the  effects of aerosols and atmospheric turbulence on optical communication. Master students in Physics, Engineering, Geology are solicited to attend if interested to conduct research on (one/more) topic(s) in optical communication (internship and PhD level).

A few rules:
— in case of large in-person attendance, attendees may be asked to wear a face mask
— before joining, make sure you are using your institutional inaf.it account if you have one (otherwise we will grant you permission to join)
— please do not forget to mute your microphone and switch off your webcam when access the virtual room
— for questions leave a message in the chat, the answers at the end of the webinar
— the seminar will be recorded, so if you are interested in it, please contact us to get the link to the registration.