Interactions Between These Two Galaxies Is Creating a Tsunami of Starbirth

Recent advancements in 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) for metallic structures make it possible to print all-metal electromagnetic devices—like antennas and waveguides—on demand. A new partnership between the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Optisys, LLC, headquartered in West Valley City, Utah, will explore the potential for leveraging this technology for radio astronomyRadio AstronomyThe science that deals with the study of the universe by means of radio waves. applications.

In radio astronomy, the performance of antennas, waveguides, and other electromagnetic parts help determine the capability and sensitivity of radio telescopes and the quality of scientific data they deliver to researchers. The more capable and sensitive the antenna and other devices, the more scientists can learn about the Universe. NRAO’s Central Development Laboratory (CDL) is continuously testing new technologies in pursuit of building better telescopes.

“Science requirements are always pushing the limits of technology, so we need to invest in new technologies with the potential to break through current performance barriers,” said Bert Hawkins, Director of CDL. “3D-printed electromagnetic devices can have all sorts of shapes, structures, and designs that would be impossible to make with traditional machining techniques. NRAO’s new partnership with Optisys has the potential to lead to the development of devices with the ability to outperform those currently used in radio astronomy.”

The partnership between NRAO and Optisys is a natural fit for both organizations. NRAO’s CDL has a history of adapting and using new technologies to build the best performing radio astronomy receiversReceiverAn electronic device that amplifies, detects, and gives a measure of the intensity of radio signals. in the world. Optisys is a worldwide leader in the newest-generation radio frequencyFrequencyA measure of wave vibrations per unit time. Typically measured in hertz, or cycles per second. In radio astronomy, high frequency corresponds to shorter wavelengths, like submillimeter waves detected by ALMA. Lower frequency refer to longer waves, like centimeter waves detected by the VLA. product design using metal 3D manufacturing for a multitude of engineering disciplines.

“Optisys offers enhanced capability to NRAO for the next generation of radio astronomy missions by providing smaller, lighter, and more efficient waveguide and antenna solutions for smaller platforms,” said Janos Opra, CEO of Optisys. “This partnership is intended to further the art of what is possible in the field of radio astronomy and will push science to new heights as we explore the mysteries of our Universe.”

Optisys will soon commence production on the first test device, an orthomode transducer (OMT), with delivery expected by the end of 2022. OMTs separate the two polarizations found in many radio astronomy signals and help astronomers analyze collected data. The new 3D-printed OMT will be compared against those produced through traditional machining techniques and used as a baseline for designing and improving future devices. 

“Every major advance in science starts with a first foundational step,” said Opra. “The testing performed by this partnership is that foundational step for creating the next generation of radio astronomy equipment by leveraging the disruptive potential of additive manufacturing.”

Hawkins added, “We believe that this joint effort with Optisys is a first step towards adding to the toolbox used by CDL’s future electromagnetic research and design engineers. That expanded toolbox may help us to develop entirely new classes of devices for use in the next generation of radio telescopes, including upgrades to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).”

Tony Beasley, Director of NRAO said, “Understanding the Universe requires us to push the limits of science, technology, and knowledge. CDL has been at the forefront of this effort in radio astronomy for decades, and with the help of Optisys, will continue to lead the industry in cutting-edge solutions.”

About NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a federally funded research and development center of the United States National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc for the purpose of radio astronomy.

About Optisys

Optisys, LLC is a privately-owned revolutionary RF design and metal additive manufacturing company. Optisys’ unique approach allows us to create highly integrated antenna and radar products that achieve extremely low SWaP. Optisys’ has a wide product line ranging from feeds to phased arrays, for antenna and radar applications from sea to space.

Media Contacts:

Amy C. Oliver
Public Information & News Manager, NRAO
Public Information Officer, CDL
aoliver@nrao.edu

The post NRAO and Optisys Partner Up to Produce 3D Devices for Radio Astronomy appeared first on National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science strives to highlight the disparities facing women and girls as they seek both education and careers in STEM fields, and to both broaden participation and create full and equal access to STEM for women and girls. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) team in Chile launched PROVOCA—PROmote + VOCations) in 2019, and is bringing together mentors and students in STEM to bridge the gap. Paulina Bocaz, AUI Representative and NRAO Assistant Director for Chile, details the challenges faced in building strong foundations for women in STEM and the achievements of PROVOCA in Chile.

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by Paulina Bocaz, AUI Representative and NRAO Assistant Director for Chile

Retaining and promoting female talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a goal that must be embraced by large scientific facilities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. A STEM career can be long and full of obstacles for underrepresented minorities, including women, who are strongly influenced by family expectations, teacher bias, and work environments plagued by stereotypes. More female role models in STEM are needed to inspire and increase women’s participation, and they are currently insufficient to retain female employees and stimulate their professional growth into leadership positions.

Let’s take the Chilean case. The exceptional conditions of the Atacama Desert sky have attracted some of the largest and most advanced astronomical projects, including NSF-funded big facilities such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), managed by AUI/NRAO in representation of North America. In the next decade, Chile will concentrate up to 70% of the world’s capabilities to observe the heavens.

This natural competitive advantage has surely inspired girls to choose astronomy and other STEM careers in Chile? Paradoxically the answer is no. According to a 2020 study by UN Women, among 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Chile has the lowest percentage of women with an academic degree in information and communication technologies (12.7%); ranks third lowest in engineering, manufacturing, and construction (17.7%); and fourth lowest in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (46.5%). This discouraging reality is counterintuitive when one considers Chile’s high levels of economic and human development in Latin America and is compounded by a leaky pipeline of talent. As R&D careers advance, moving from assistant positions to full professorship to the leadership of departments and universities, there are fewer and fewer women, a situation that has come under scrutiny but changes slowly.

As part of AUI/NRAO’s mission to broaden participation and have a positive societal impact, we leverage big facilities as a unique platform to do this. In 2019 we launched PROVOCA, a communications campaign to raise the visibility of female STEM professionals and girls who aspire to follow one of these careers. PROVOCA is an acronym (PROmote + VOCAtions) and wordplay to foster STEM careers, but also to provoke cultural changes. The PROVOCA campaign was recognized by the National Science Foundation STEM for All Video Showcase with a Public Choice Award in 2021.

The communications campaign was successful and far-reaching, but we soon realized that inspiration is not enough to retain and stimulate professional growth. To accomplish this, it is necessary to guide and support girls and young women throughout their STEM journeys. The PROVOCA mentorship program and network take on this challenge, involving female STEM professionals and students in a long-term commitment. Training spanned ten months (May to December 2021) and comprised 350 hours of lectures, coaching sessions, networking meetings, roundtable discussions, and final projects that each participant presented in front of their peers. Theoretical and practical lessons helped develop skills that are key to mentoring, including active listening, interpersonal relations, communications, and leadership. Although the primary focus was on preparing mentors to guide students, the experience had a profound impact on the mentors themselves. As research into the most effective ways to retain underrepresented minorities in STEM attests, and as feedback from PROVOCA mentors confirmed, a network of professional peers is crucial to the affirmation of their own STEM identity, as well as the support of the next generation of STEM professionals. A total of 28 women completed their training and were certified as PROVOCA mentors in December 2021.

Now that the PROVOCA mentors’ network is a reality, the next goal is to introduce them to the community, so that high school girls and college women from all over the country can get to know them and find the support they need to pursue a STEM career. In April 2022, AUI/NRAO will open an application process for students who are interested in a PROVOCA mentorship (www.provoca.org). We expect the power of this network to be exponential, recruiting and training new mentors among students in years to come, and encouraging other organizations to replicate the experience.

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