Programma: PRIN
Responsabile scientifico per il dipartimento: Carmela Lardo
Struttura principale: DIFA
Data inizio e data fine: dal 28/09/2023 al 28/09/2025
Software innovativo per l’analisi di immagini di Ottica Adattiva
Il progetto sviluppa un software open-source in Python per analizzare immagini da ottica adattiva con PSF variabile, utile per dati complessi e blended. Formazione avanzata inclusa per giovani ricercatrici e astronomi.
Innovative Software for AO Image Analysis
The project develops open-source Python software to analyze adaptive optics images with variable PSF, enabling precise data extraction. Includes advanced training for early-career female researchers and astronomers.
Abstract
The present project aims to develop a software package designed and optimised to analyse AO images with complex and spatiallyvariable PSF to maximise the exploitation of high-precision quantitative science from past, present and future AO observations. Thenew software will address two problems: 1) extracting and modelling the AO PSF across the field of view directly from the AOimaging and spectro-imaging data and 2) extracting quantitative information from data featuring blended sources.The new methods will be tested on simulated images and on available data from existing and upcoming AO facilities.The new open-access software, written in Python™, will be based on Starfinder, already widely used in the community anddeveloped by our team members. This software will be the subject of an advanced coursework to offer the next generation ofastronomers the tools to fully exploit the capabilities of ground-based telescopes. Training these persons is considered a strategic objective of the project in view of their involvement in exploiting scientific data from existing AO facilities and in the design of futureinstruments.The proposed project relies on a strong involvement of early-career female researchers/ technologists, who will contribute todeveloping, testing, applying, and disseminating the new software tools.