I am a doctoral candidate, studying astrophysics and instrumentation.
Research Interests
My main interests are in optics and high resolution imaging. My current work is designing an aperture masking system for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory 2.4m telescope. This instrument is called the AMASING instrument, (Aperture Masking And Speckle ImagiNG). I am also working on the control software for NESSI, the New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument.
Major components have arrived and instrument assembly has started. I am also modeling the optical system to determine the magnitude limits of the instrument as well as optimal mask placement and design. When completed it will be used to study objects on sub-arcsecond scales. First laboratory fringes were obtained on 15Dec2010. As of November 2011, the instrument is complete and first light is pending.
Publications and Presentations
Poster at the New Mexico Symposium Download my poster
Abstract - 217th AAS Meeting, Seattle, WA Progress to First Light for AMASING, an Aperture Masking Instrument. Download my poster.
Co-author, NESSI: the New Mexico Tech Extrasolar Spectroscopic Survey Instrument, SPIE Astronomical Instrumentation 2010.
Paper and Poster Presentation at the SPIE Astronomical Instrumentation conference, San Diego, CA. Download my poster, paper.
Masters Thesis Defense - July 30, 2009. Workman 101 at 3:00pm.
Abstract - 214th AAS Meeting, Pasadena, CA Design Requirements and Component Down Selection Process for an Aperture Masking Instrument at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory 2.4m Telescope. Download my poster.
Presentation on aperture masking at the Alt-Az Initiative workshop, 2009.
Contact me
Luke Schmidt
Workman 323
Extension 5796
Lab
Workman 362
Extension 6579
Enchanted Skies Star Party
I am on the planning committee (and webmaster) for the ESSP. Check out the website and we hope to see you there!