Introduction / mission

The goal of the CAI is to push excellent science through developing enabling technologies for state-of-the-art  astronomical instrumentation, based in space and on Earth.

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In the CAI, astronomers and engineers work together to lay the foundations for the next generation of astronomical instrumentation

Organisational profile

The Center for Astronomical Instrumentation (CAI) works on research and development of future space instrumentation, using cutting edge technology for miniaturization, computing and low-power usage. It has a unique and complementary position in the Netherlands. In collaboration with renowned institutes such as ASTRON, SRON and NOVA, CAI aims to contribute to the consolidation of the international position of Dutch astronomy in areas such as radio, optical and gravitational wave astronomy and in the field of technological innovation for space applications. In this way TU/e can strengthen its leadership in technological innovation.

The Center focuses on space-based radio astronomy and on research questions requiring space localization and advanced sensors such as optical telescopes, optical data transfer, gravitational wave detectors, etc. Concrete research topics are RF and mm-wave antenna systems, complex and additive manufacturing, development and application of new materials for space, and THz detectors, photonics and optical chips.

The CAI combines the experience of its two founding partners, TU/e and Radboud University (RU). The Radboud Radio Lab and the RU Astronomy department supply the science cases and TU/e provide the technological expertise. Their unique complementary expertise allows innovative projects to flow smoothly from exploratory science to production. The resulting technological developments are aimed at the next generation of instrumentation, which will drive topical and cutting edge astronomical research. Three TU/e Electrical Engineering groups are involved in the CAI: Electromagnetics, Electronic Systems and Integrated Circuits. The CAI will also organize master’s degree courses for students at both universities.