Centre for Advanced Instrumentation
CfAI Covid-19 Related Activity
Members of CfAI are directly involved in two Covid-19 related projects. In one project the precision optics facility is being re-opened to machine mould tools for infrared lenses for integration into a novel thermal imaging system. The second project is using an imaging system, designed within CfAI, to view with cellular resolution inside the lung using a micro-fibre optic endoscope. This is a collaborative project involving Durham, Bath, Herriot Watt, Dundee Universities and led by Edinburgh University.
Upcoming Events
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Centre for Advanced Instrumentation
CfAI is one of the major research groups in the Physics Department at Durham with approximately 70 staff and research students. It is distributed across two physical locations, one of which is in the new Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics on the University science site in Durham, and the other is at the North East Technology Park (NETPark), an internationally recognised location for science and technology companies, based about ten miles away in Sedgefield, Co. Durham.
CfAI develops state-of-the-art instruments for application across a wide range of disciplines including astronomical instrumentation, biophysics, remote sensing and fusion diagnostics. Research outputs can be found by following the links to individual research areas listed in the menu on the left or by a search of Durham Research Online. We also have close links with the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and the Institute for Computational Cosmology.
Vision Statement
To undertake a world-leading programme of education and research with international impact, based on the development of novel instrumentation and cutting edge technologies with applications across a range of strategically important scientific areas of benefit to modern society.
Contact Details
| Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics | NETPark | |
| Address | Durham University Centre for Advanced Instrumentation Department of Physics Science Laboratories South Road Durham DH1 3LE United Kingdom |
Durham University Centre for Advanced Instrumentation NETPark Research Institute Joseph Swan Road NETPark Sedgefield TS21 3FB United Kingdom |
| Secretary | +44 (0) 191 334 3588 | +44 (0) 191 334 3588 |
| Fax | +44 (0) 191 334 3609 |
Contact Details
Department of Physics
Science Laboratories
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
+44 (0)191 334 3588
Director: Prof. John Girkin
Einstein Cross Gravitational Lens
New Integral Field Unit for the Gemini Near-Infrared Spectrograph sees first light at the 8-metre Gemini-North telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
CfAI postgrad students Ryan and Lily join LumiSpace for a horizontal laser propagation test. The system is used to develop the next generation Satellite Laser Ranging facility and laser communications for 6G networks.
Jitsupa Paenoi from NARIT
Two researchers from the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) have visited CfAI.
CfAI Optics Flying on the James Web Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope on its way to Lagrange Point 2. It appears as a trail with respect to the stars. Picture taken using a 350mm telescope and 2 minutes exposure time with a standard DSLR camera. 14 frames have been added. 28th of December, 2021, around 23:00 UT by Jürgen Schmoll from his West Cornforth Obersavtory. The JWST contains optical elements produced by CfAI.
Congratulations to PhD student Ryan Griffiths, getting first light on his new instrument on La Palma.
A brand new EPSRC project's blog!
Congratulations to Dr Luke Tyas who has been appointed as a member of the Lead Observer team for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument at the Mayall Telescope, Kitt Peak Arizona.
Final DESI Cable Complete!
DESI fibre team with final crate
Adaptive Optics Workshop
CfAI to Build GNIRS IFUs
GNIRS Integral Field Unit
CfAI Optics Flying on the James Web Telescope
The James Webb Space Telescope on its way to Lagrange Point 2. It appears as a trail with respect to the stars. Picture taken using a 350mm telescope and 2 minutes exposure time with a standard DSLR camera. 14 frames have been added. 28th of December, 2021, around 23:00 UT by Jürgen Schmoll from his West Cornforth Obersavtory. The JWST contains optical elements produced by CfAI.