Paper 13102-187
Replicating sky emission in labs for astronomers
On demand | Presented live 18 June 2024
Abstract
The magnetic field (B-field) plays a crucial role in the process of star formation. To observe molecular cloud B-fields, astronomers rely on submm dust emission observation. This is because dust grains in molecular clouds align with B-field. However, polarized signals are obscured by the intense non-polarized emission from the Earth’s atmosphere. To overcome this challenge, sophisticated instruments (polarimeters) and strategic observation methods are necessary. However, these tools have not undergone fundamental advancements for two decades because new technologies can only be tested on remote and rare submm telescopes. Thus, we are motivated to develop the Sky Noise Simulator (SNoS). Here we present how we use SNoS to produce a beam that consists of predominantly non-linearly polarized noise and a faint linearly polarized signal. This combined beam is then directed into the instrument under test (IUT). With SNoS, polarimeters can be conveniently tested in the laboratory without moving to telescopes.
Presenter
Jialin Sun
The Chinese Univ. of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
SUN Jialin graduated from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2021 and is currently pursueing a PH.D. degree in astronomy in the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
He's going to talk about a inoovative instrument, the Sky NOise Simulator (SNoS) designed and constructed by CUHK star formation group.