Jasmine Feliciano is from Kahului, Maui and is a 2014 Maui High alumna. She has been involved in STEM programs and robotics throughout high school and middle school, which led to her desire of being an engineer. Currently, Jasmine is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus in Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her goal is to work in the robotics or energy/sustainability field, and help increase STEM engagement and involvement of all ages, especially students. In her free time, Jasmine likes to volunteer at community events, especially STEM related events, ballroom dance, do outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, take photos, and spend
time with family and friends.

 

 

Project: Re-Structuring the Ten-MilliArcSecond Camera (TMAS)

Host Organization: California Institute of Technology Optical Observatories

Mentors: Richard Dekany, Michael Feeney and Rebecca Jensen-Clem

Project Abstract:
The Ten-MilliArcSecond Camera (TMAS) is an optical wavelength camera system for use behind the PALM-3000 adaptive optics system on the 5-m telescope at Palomar Mountain. TMAS must be updated to be co-mounted with the near-infrared PHARO camera and have the capability of reading H-alpha and non H-alpha wavelengths. These two changes in the optical system will allow for new science cases such as exoplanet imaging that require simultaneous multi-wavelength data. The goal of this project was to mechanically and optically re-design TMAS to meet these two changes and to have an accessible interior. We used SolidWorks, a CAD program, and Zemax, a commercial optical design software, to create mechanical and optical designs. These designs were iterated with different methods of splitting the incoming light beam to achieve the necessary goals for TMAS. The final design that achieved the requirements of reading both H-alpha and non-H-alpha wavelengths within the space constraints imposed by co-mounting with PHARO included a dichroic mirror, an optic that separates two wavelengths by reflection. Since TMAS must be reduced to half of its current size and be accessible, it was best to use the dichroic mirror as a window into TMAS, mount all of the optical components to one wall, and have quick release side panels. This design concept allows for simplified human control over the optical components within the defined space constraints. This new model of TMAS is a good foundation for any future development and modifications.