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The Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) application in the 2024 Leibniz Competition entitled “Innovative Technologies for Spectroscopic Survey Telescopes (InSpecT)” has been successfully approved. “InSpecT” will focus on the development of innovative fiber positioning systems for large telescopes. In the future, “InSpecT” will enable large-scale spectroscopic surveys of over 400 million stars and galaxies.
Fundamental questions about the nature of dark energy and dark matter, the genesis of the Milky Way and the properties of the earliest stars in our universe need to be studied and analysed through observations of millions of stars and galaxies. The main challenge is to obtain a huge volume of data on the chemical composition, velocity, mass, temperature and distance of objects. To manage these tasks, the ‘InSpecT’ project led by Dr Roelof de Jong from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) has set itself the goal of developing new technologies for astronomical spectroscopy.
One focus of the project is the development of a new fibre positioner that can move up to 20,000 fibres with high precision and speed, which increases the efficiency of spectroscopic surveys a hundredfold compared to previous systems. The positioner uses an innovative mechanism that enables precise movements and minimises losses of light. This technology opens up new possibilities for telescopes with reflectors of 10 to 12 metres in diameter.
“Our programme will develop an innovative method for simultaneously positioning tens of thousands of glass fibres with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, revolutionizing the way light from astronomical objects is fed into spectrographs. Leveraging state-of the-art photonic technologies such as multi-core fibres, multi-mode photonic lanterns, and waveguides, we aim to deliver the light to the spectrographs in the optimal format, eliminating the need for unwieldy large and costly spectrographs on future facilities,” says project leader Roelof de Jong. “This programme brings together leading experts in fibre positioning, specialty fibres and photonics.”
‘InSpecT’ brings together the expertise of leading international research institutions, including the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), Macquarie University/Australian Astronomical Optics (MU/AAO) and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The collaboration between the various facilities will enable the technology to be both scientifically and commercially proven to support future large telescopes such as the Wide-field Spectroscopic Telescope (WST) and strengthen Europe's competitiveness in ground-based astronomy, and could potentially help in minimally invasive surgery and industrial settings. The technologies will play a key role in strengthening Europe's position in ground-based astronomy.
The Leibniz Competition supports the goals of the Leibniz Association as part of the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation. The funding supports research at the highest level and makes the results visible
Dr. Roelof de Jong, +49 331 7499 648, rdejong@aip.de
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