Project Description: Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in INterStellar dust(PUFFINS)is a NASA-funded SmallSat Astrophysics pioneers mission. PUFFINS will conduct a survey of 70 stars to measure their polarization at ultraviolet wavelengths, probing the dynamics and properties of small dust grains. PUFFINS has a 25cm telescope with a spectropolarimeter instrument and an instrument guider. The intern project involves testing and characterizing optical components in the lab, including a grating, lenses, and a rotation stage.
NASA Relevance: NASA Astrophysics Pioneers program is designed to provide opportunities for training early career researchers in mission design, space hardware, and the development of operational concepts. The proposed project is part of the recently selected Astrophysics pioneers caller PUFFINS.
Work Description:
1. Developing a basic framework of Python code to control the rotation stage
2. Characterize the retarder in the rotation stage - measure transmission, retardance
3. Assist in characterizing a prototype grating - collect test data and analyze.
Open or Reserved Project: Open, 2 positions.