In addition to astronomers and physicists, the CCAPP mix includes engineers in the Department of Astronomy’s Imaging Sciences Laboratory, which Ohio State cosmologists work with to create instruments for ground-based and infrared astronomy.
The ISL staff includes machinists and electrical, mechanical, optical and software engineers who collaborate with scientists to reconcile complex scientific and technical requirements and produce groundbreaking new devices.
Currently CCAPP researchers are working with the ISL team on instrumentation for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which will attach to the Mayall telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. The DOE-run instrument will measure spectra and red shifts of millions of objects using a set of 5,000 optic cables that each can be pointed toward different, specific objects. CCAPP scientists are working on parts of the device as well as the process for selecting targets.