Multispectral auroral imager

Imaging aurora from the ground is an important part of space physics research. Recent development is in the direction of the simultaneous multispectral imaging. Brightness of different spectral emissions in the aurora depends on the energy spectra of precipitating electrons. Characterization of the electron energy fluxes in space and time is important for understanding the processes behind acceleration and structuring in the aurora.

Within a joint project between the University of Southampton (England) and Alfven Laboratory, KTH, a narrow-field of view imager for auroral studies will be developed and built in 2005. The instrument will have three state of the art low light detectors, used with different narrow-band filters to look at auroral emissions from O, O+ and O2+.

The main focus of the suggested thesis project will be development of data-acquisition software for the instrument. Involvement in assembly and calibration of the instrument is envisioned, as well as participation in analysis of the first data. Participation in an observing campaign on Svalbard (beginning of December'05) is likely, as well as visit(s) to England during the development stage.

Your interests may include: aurora, space physics, optics, astronomy. You have good programming skills.