Research
My research is at the interface between astrophysics and instrumentation, primarily at optical and infrared wavelengths. One objective is to develop and improve novel astronomical techniques, in particular using interferometers and large telescopes, in order to explore at high angular resolution the close environment of young stars and nearby MS stars. This observational information provides us with direct evidence on how planetary systems in the making are structured and evolve.
Mid-Infrared Integrated Optics
Photonics science and astronomical instrumentation fruitfully cooperate to build compact-size and reliable instruments of small size. Integrated optics for interferometry is already used in the near-infrared bands where silica-based components are transparent. I am interested in developing similar solutions for the mid-infrared spectral range, i.e. for wavelengths longer than 3 microns. This research topic is covered by the ALSI project
Some results
- First 10 microns fringes with an IO component (Highlight)
- Three-dimensional writing of IO functions
- What is astrophotonics ?
Using instruments able to deliver diffraction-limited images or infrared interferometers, I am interested in studying the dusty environment of young stars or the properties of sub-stellar objects. This type of science typically requires high-angular resolution and/or high contrast capabilities (VLT/VLTI, GTC, WHT).
Observing at high-angular resolution
Some results
- The CS disk of T-Tau N with SINFONI (Highlight)
- The inner region of HD139614 disk with the VLTI
- I-band imaging of brown dwarves HD130948BC and GJ569