Infrared Interferometer

Sponsor
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Year
1999 – 2000
Advisor
  • Alexander Rudolph

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Clinic team constructed a modified Michelson interferometer to combine the light from two 10-meter Keck telescopes situated on the island of Hawaii. The system combines two 1" infrared beams of light from the telescopes and incorporates feedback control to ensure that the optics are correctly focusing the collimated beams into fiberoptic cables. The telescope system will allow for the direct detection of Hot Jupiter planets in other solar systems.

The Physics Clinic program presents opportunities for students to work on practical projects relevant to industrial work. Students work on teams of 3–5 on a sponsored research or development project.