This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program will provide $361,083 to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to develop a reliable laser frequency comb (LFC) calibration system with extended wavelength coverage for use in astronomical instrumentation.
The key products to be delivered under this 3-year project include:
- A nonlinear nanophotonic waveguide technology based on poled thin-film lithium niobate that can efficiently generate light spanning the critical 350-500 nm spectral band, extending the LFC's total coverage from 350 nm to beyond 2000 nm.
- Evaluation of the long-term reliability and robustness of this LFC calibration system, which will be critical for improving the cost, efficiency and usability of this technology for astronomical applications like the Keck Planet Finder instrument.
- Incorporation of data and updates from this work into public outreach, education and inclusivity activities.
This project aims to provide an advanced calibration technology that can support the continued advancement of exoplanet discovery and characterization capabilities, a key priority in astrophysics research.
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