I am interested in developing the next generation of infrared, submillimeter, and millimeter-wave telescopes and using them to push and test our current understanding of astrophysical phenomena. In particular, I am interested in:
Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Understand the optical properties and composition of interstellar dust
- Characterize galactic foregrounds for cosmology and CMB experiments
- Measure cosmic microwave background polarization and B-mode signatures of Inflation
- Determine the role of magnetic fields in star formation and molecular clouds
Developing Instrumentation
- Telescope Optical Systems
- Large-aperture lightweight mirrors
- Lightweight support structures for balloon and ground-based platforms
- Focusing techniques and wavefront compensation
- Metrology and alignment systems
- Cryogenic Systems
- Large volume wet and dry cryostats
- Sub-kelvin fridges (4He/3He/Dilution/ADRs)
- Thermal design of low-temperature detector systems
- High-Sensitivity Detectors
- Large detector array testing and development
- Highly-multiplexed MKID and TES detector systems
- Focal plane array optical testing and characterization
- MKID spectroscopy
Nathan P. Lourie 