A5090144925- Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Optical Systems and Laser Technology
- Advanced optical system design
- Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
- Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Earthquake Detection and Analysis
- GNSS positioning and interference
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Advanced Optical Sensing Technologies
- Digital Holography and Microscopy
- History and Developments in Astronomy
- Satellite Image Processing and Photogrammetry
- Optical measurement and interference techniques
- Quantum optics and atomic interactions
- Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research
- Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems
- Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena
- Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova
2006-2024
Osservatorio di Astrofisica e Scienza dello Spazio
2024
University of Bologna
2023-2024
National Institute for Astrophysics
2010-2024
University of Padua
2013-2024
National Institute of Optics
2017-2022
Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte
2022
Brera Astronomical Observatory
2022
British Museum
2012
We experimentally and numerically tested the separability of two independent equally-luminous monochromatic white light sources at diffraction limit, using Optical Vortices (OV), related to Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) light. The pattern one crosses a phase modifying device (fork-hologram) on its center generating Laguerre-Gaussian (L-G) transform an Airy disk. second source, crossing fork-hologram in positions different from optical center, acquires OAM values generates non-symmetric L-G...
Aims. In this paper we present our first observations at the Asiago 122 cm telescope of optical vortices generated with starlight beams.
The wavefront sensor in active and adaptive telescopes is usually not the optical path toward scientific detector. It may generate additional aberrations, which have to be separated from errors due telescope optics. aberrations that are rotationally symmetric can disentangled by a series of measurements taken center field, with at different orientation angles respect focal plane. This method has been applied VLT Survey Telescope on ESO Paranal observatory.
Abstract Observations of a pair mesospheric bore disturbances that propagated through the nighttime mesosphere over Europe are presented. The observations were made at Padua Observatory, Asiago (45.9°N, 11.5°E), by Boston University all‐sky imager on 11 March 2013. bores appeared northwest horizon, approximately 30 min apart, and toward southeast. Using additional satellite radar data, we present evidence indicating originated in from single, larger‐scale disturbance propagating mesopause...
MORFEO is a post-focal adaptive optics module that forms part of the first light instrument suite for Extreme Large Telescope (ELT). The project now in Final Design Phase. In this paper, we report status project.
Abstract All‐sky imagers located in Asiago, Italy (45.87 o N, 11.53 E; 40.7 magnetic latitude) and Sutherland, South Africa (32.37 S, 20.81 −40.7 are used to study magnetically conjugate medium scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs). We present initial results from the first year of joint Asiago‐Sutherland data sets July 2016 June 2017. The 630.0‐nm airglow perturbations showing different kinds waves were frequently observed. Some these wave events resemble MSTIDs propagating...
This paper describes the active optics system of VLT Survey Telescope, 2.6-m survey telescope designed for visible wavelengths European Southern Observatory at Cerro Paranal, in Atacama desert. The is characterized by a wide field view (1.42 deg diameter), leading to tighter than conventional telescopes, particular alignment requirements. We discuss effects typical error sources on image quality and present specific solutions adopted wavefront sensing correction aberrations, which are based...
Since a number of years our group is engaged in the design, construction and operation instruments with very high time resolution optical band for applications to Quantum Astronomy more conventional Astrophysics. Two were built perform photon counting sub-nanosecond temporal accuracy. The first two, Aqueye+, regularly mounted at 1.8 m Copernicus telescope Asiago, while second one, Iqueye, was ESO New Technology Telescope Chile, William Herschel Telescopio Nazionale Galileo on Roque (La...
In this paper we present the fabrication process and tests of two different types l = 2 spiral phase plates (SPPs), designed for an Optical Vortex Coronagraph (OVC) in visible wavelength regime. Each mask is realized dividing spirals area sectors respectively 8 512 levels using lithographic nanofabrication approach. The SPPs produces optical vortices (OVs) with topological charge that depends on number steps wavelength. We found residual light central dark region OV tends to zero as increases.
We investigate experimentally the role of spatial coherence on optical beam shifts. This topic has been subject recent theoretical debate. consider Gaussian Schell-model beams, with different degrees coherence, reflected at an air-glass interface. prove that angular Goos-H\"anchen and Imbert-Fedorov effects are affected by degree incident beam, whereas, effect does not depend incoherence. Our data unambiguously resolve debate in favor one specific theory.
Context . Full sky coverage adaptive optics (AO) on extremely large telescopes requires the adoption of several laser guide stars as references. With such apertures, apparent elongation beacons is absolutely significant. a few exceptions, wavefront sensors (WFSs) designed for natural can be adapted and used in suboptimal mode this context. Aims We analyse describe geometrical properties class WFSs that are specifically to deal with propagated from location immediate vicinity telescope...
We propose to realize an optical device based on the properties of photon orbital angular momentum (POAM) detect presence closeby faint companions in double systems using Laguerre-Gaussian (L-G) modes light. test also possibility L-G build coronagraph mask. realized laboratory a prototype blazed l=1 hologram simulate separation between two stars, as observed with telescope, modes.
The VLT Survey Telescope (VST) has started the scientific operations on ESO Paranal observatory after a successful commissioning period. It is currently largest telescope in world specially designed for surveying sky visible light. VST dedicated to survey programmes, supporting with wide-angle imaging by detecting and pre-characterising sources, which Unit Telescopes can then observe further.
We describe the introduction of first all‐sky imaging system for low‐light‐level optical observations disturbed ionosphere over mid‐latitude Europe. Using 6300 Å auroral emissions that come from 200–400 km altitude range, we demonstrate sub‐visual patterns spanning European continent can be obtained a single site in Italy. Pilot during 26–27 September 2011 geomagnetic storm show diffuse aurora's low latitude boundary used to find where poleward wall ionospheric trough is located. This...
Abstract Ionospheric storm effects at midlatitudes were analyzed using different ground‐based instruments distributed in Italy during the 13–15 November 2012 geomagnetic storm. These included an all‐sky imager (ASI) Asiago (45.8°N, 11.5°E), a network of dual‐frequeny Global Navigation Satellite Systems receivers (Rete Integrata Nazionale GPS network), and ionosondes Rome (41.8°N, 12.5°E) San Vito (40.6°N, 17.8°E). measurements showed unusual enhancement total electron content (TEC) southern...
Spreading the PSF over a quite large amount of pixels is an increasingly used observing technique in order to reach extremely precise photometry, such as case exoplanets searching and characterization via transits observations. A top-hat profile helps minimize errors contribution due uncertainty on knowledge detector flat field. This work has been carried out during recent design study framework ESA small mission CHEOPS. Because lack perfect flat-fielding information, CHEOPS optics it...
Son Of X-Shooter (SOXS) is a double-armed (UV-VIS, NIR) spectrograph designed to be mounted at the ESO-NTT in La Silla, now its Assembly Integration and Verification (AIV) phase. The instrument following modular approach so that each sub-system can integrated parallel before their assembly system level. INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova will deliver Common Path (CP) sub-system, which represents backbone of entire instrument. In this paper, we describe foreseen operation for CP...
PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillation of stars) is the ESA Medium size dedicated to exo-planets discovery, adopted in framework Cosmic Vision program. The launch planned 2026 mission will last at least 4 years Lagrangian point L2. primary scientific goal discover characterize a large amount hosted by bright nearby stars, constraining with unprecedented precision their radii mean transits technique age stars through asteroseismology. By coupling radius information mass knowledge, provided...
SHARK-NIR is an instrument which provides direct imaging, coronagraphic dual band imaging and low resolution spectroscopy in Y, J H bands, taking advantage of the outstanding performance Large Binocular Telescope AO systems. observations will be provided used combination with SHARK-VIS (operating V band) LMIRCam LBTI from K to M bands), a way exploit simultaneous three different wavelengths. A wide variety techniques have been implemented SHARK-NIR, ranging conventional ones such as Gaussian...
Laser Guide Stars are, in spite of their name, all but "stars". They do not stand at infinite distance, neither on a plane. If fired from the side large telescope characteristics as seen various points apertures changes dramatically. As they extend 3D world, there is need WFS that deploy similar manner, conjugated volume, resembling approach MCAO required long time ago to overcome usual limitations conventional AO. We describe class novel kind employ combination refraction and reflection,...
In the last years we have operated two very similar ultrafast photon counting photometers (Iqueye and Aqueye+) on different telescopes. The absolute time accuracy in tagging detected with these instruments is of order 500 ps for hours observation, allowing us to obtain, example, most accurate ever light curve visible optical pulsars. Recently adapted working together telescopes at Asiago (Italy), realizing an Hanbury-Brown Twiss Intensity Interferometry like experiment 3.9 km distant this...
The VLT survey telescope is the latest installed at European Southern Observatory's Paranal observatory that considered one of best sites for optical astronomy excellent seeing conditions. exceptional quality site imposes tight requirements tracking system shall perform very well to fully exploit extreme sharpness Chilean sky. We describe specific solutions adopted pointing, servo and guiding systems results obtained during commissioning telescope. hardware implementation relies on industry...
Our team at the INAF-Astronomical Observatory of Padova and University is engaged in design, construction operations instruments with very high time accuracy optical band for applications to High Time Resolution Astrophysics Quantum Astronomy. Two were built perform photon counting sub-nanosecond temporal accuracy, Aqueye+ Iqueye. regularly mounted 1.8m Copernicus telescope Asiago, while Iqueye was several 4m class telescopes around world now attached through Fiber Interface 1.2m Galileo...