Research opportunities are available in various areas of stellar and lunar photometry. Highly accurate measurements of the infrared to ultraviolet spectral irradiance from planets, stars, and galaxies have applications that include satellite sensor calibration, navigation and guidance, fundamental astronomy, and cosmology. NIST is researching methods to improve the relative and absolute spectroradiometric calibration of ground- and space-based telescopes, and of the celestial bodies they view. We are also interested in research using LIDAR, spectroradiometry, and other methods to improve the determination of the atmospheric corrections to ground-based measurements of stars. The research uses specialized facilities at NIST that include SIRCUS, the Facility for Spectral Irradiance and Radiance responsivity Calibrations using Uniform Sources; and LBIR, the Low Background Infrared Facility. The SIRCUS Facility consists of a suite of lasers, absolute detectors, integrating spheres, and other optical instrumentation for the calibration and characterization of astronomical instrumentation at NIST or at an observatory. The LBIR Facility allows the calibration and characterization of infrared astronomical instruments in a thermal environment that mimics the cold background of space.

 

References

Brown SW, Eppeldauer GP, Lykke KR: Applied Optics 45: 8218, 2006

Smith AW, et al: Metrologia 46: S219, 2009

 

key words

Stellar photometry; Radiometry; Optics; Dark energy; Astronomy; Infrared astronomy; Satellite calibration; Atmospheric transmittance;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants