The turbulence created by the structure of large telescopes (sometimes called “low wind effect”) is a contributor to the image quality of adaptive optics systems. Preliminary CFD simulations that have already been carried out at ESO have shown that the temperature difference between the air and the structure of the ELT  may be important in some conditions, and could create significant non-Kolmogorov turbulence around the spider arms  of the telescope.

The goal of this internship is to quantify the low-wind effect on the adaptive optics performance of the ELT and possibly to test mitigation schemes in a lab experiment.

In a first phase, you will analyse the output of a CFD model and use it to generate parametric phase screens, that can be input into an already existing Adaptive Optics simulation tool. These AO simulations will allow you to quantify the impact of the perturbation on the performance of the system.

If time allows, possible mitigation schemes (like using a wavefront sensor to measure telescope generated aberrations) can be developed, implemented and validated on a lab bench by you or with your participation.

In the adaptive optics community, you will interact with a team of physicists and engineers on this important topic for telescopes and instruments currently developed.

Your interpersonal skills, interest in high angular resolution and understanding of the physics of optical turbulence makes you the ideal candidate for this 6 months internship