High-precision astrometry has the potential to address questions in planet formation, black hole science, Galactic structure, and more. However, in order to achieve a precision of sub-milli arcseconds (mas), we need a calibration method better than the current techniques such as on-sky calibration using crowded star fields, which have a precision of ∼ 1 mas. Precision calibration unit with a regular grid of photo-lithographically manufactured pinholes combined with self-calibration techniques, on the other hand, is a new and innovative way to potentially achieve a precision of sub-mas over the entire field of view. This technique is beneficial to adaptive optic (AO) instruments for future telescopes like the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). In this work, we present our design for a new astrometric calibration unit to feed the NIRC2 AO instrument at the W. M. Keck Observatory. It allows calibration over a large field of view of 47'' × 47'', spatially dithering throughout the entire field, and 360 degree continuous rotation of the pinhole mask. Our proposed calibration unit will produce > 5 times better performance than the pinhole masks deployed in first generation AO systems. Similar design principles could be used worldwide and for the upcoming thirty meter class telescopes to meet their distortion calibration requirements.
The TMT Early-Career Initiative (TECI) is an innovative, evolving program designed to support inclusion in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) International Observatory (TIO) by engaging graduate students and postdocs in TIO projects, and preparing them with skills required to contribute to the project and advance in their careers. TECI has an annual cycle that begins with a workshop that includes project management, instrument design, and teamwork sessions, and engages participants in projects that could lead to visits and new collaborations. Project teams are led by the participants themselves, who consult with a member of the relevant technical team or project staff. In this paper we describe the components of TECI, our approach to designing it, and outcomes from our early piloting in 2016-17, as well as our first full program in 2018-19.
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