The MOONS instrument utilises 1000 robotic fibre positioners (FPUs) to capture the light of many astronomical objects simultaneously. These FPUs require extensive testing and calibration prior to and after being integrated onto a large aluminium baseplate along with a number of other components. The calibrations use two different optical methods: a custom optical testbench and a commercial photogrammetry system. Depending on the joining time, the intern would have the possibility to assist and help on some of the following topics:

• Acceptance testing and integration of FPUs – prior to integration, the FPUs go through an extensive automated testing and calibration procedure on a dedicated optical testbench.  Although the process itself is automated, prior preparation is a complex and delicate operation. Then the FPUs must be mounted onto their baseplate, with electronics connections being made. The intern will assist with the delicate assembly, setting up tests, checking results, investigating faults etc…
• Testing and adaptation of the commercial metrology system – throughout the fibre positioner integration, a new metrology system will be in continuous development, using the increasingly populated baseplate as a test bed. At the end the system shall be able to measure all 1000 fibre ends simultaneously with an accuracy of 15 microns rms. The commercial photogrammetry system will have to be adapted and integrated into the MOONS instrument and fully tested. The intern will assist with the development of this system, using the hardware, interfacing it with MOONS control SW and electronics, taking and analysing images, and working with the relevant software to define the optimum conditions for the measurement.

The master thesis will include a first period of 3 months at the UKATC in Edinburg for the tests on MOONS followed by 3 months at ESO in Garching bei München to finish the adaptations of the commercial system to the ESO interfaces.

Relevant skills / experience / interests:

• A systematic and methodical approach, diligent record keeping
  
• Confidence and dexterity while handling fragile and delicate hardware
• An understanding of basic mechanics; motors, gearboxes, engineering materials etc
• Knowledge of electrical circuits and electronic component
• An interest in photography, image analysis and measurement
  
• A working knowledge of Linux and Python (desirable)