The R&D group of the LAM has a mission of innovation in the fields of optics applied to astronomy, with activities of practical realization of instruments for the community, and long-term instrumental research.
Within this framework, the GRD proposes breakthrough technologies, performs concept demonstrations in the laboratory and on the sky, and proposes proven innovative technologies for the next generation of telescopes and instruments, on the ground or in space.
A deep understanding of the astrophysics community’s goals allows to highlight current limitations and to generate innovative instrumental proposals. It is the long term vision with a 20-30 years objective that reinforces the originality of the technical activities of the LAM and can trigger the involvement of the LAM in future large missions.
We carry out proofs of concept which then allow the use of innovative technologies in future instrumentations, via the development of instrumental demonstrators, the characterization of their performances, and the validation of technologies in real conditions. These activities stimulate numerous interactions with academic and industrial partners.
This research is ultimately valorized and integrated into large instruments serving the community or towards non-astronomical and multi-disciplinary applications.
The GRD brings together complementary skills covering a wide range of activities, from telescope mirrors to detectors and data reduction, including Adaptive Optics (AO) and the development of innovative instruments. The research themes are structured along four scientific axes addressing the issues of high angular resolution (HRA) and high contrast imaging (HCI).
