VISTA (Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) is a 4-m class specialized wide field survey telescope for the southern hemisphere. It is currently equipped with a near infrared camera VIRCAM (VISTA InfraRed CAMera). On 2023, VIRCAM will be replaced with instrument 4MOST (4-metre Multi-Object Spectrograph Telescope). This second-generation instrument requires upgrade of the telescope itself, including the Active Optics control.

Active Optics consists in applying controlled forces to the primary mirror and in moving the secondary mirror in order to correct for various disturbances, requiring permanent control of the optical shape. In this context, a new algorithm for wavefront control has been designed. It has been  implemented with Wolfram Mathematica for the simulation and validation phases. It has now to be translated in C/C++ in order to be integrated in the Telescope Control Software (TCS). This task will include the verification and test of the software.

Due to the situation regarding the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the mobile working could be considered. If the situation evolves and allows to travel, the integration of the software on site will be considered depending on the work progress.

Your interpersonal skills, interest in signal processing and knowledge of C++ makes you the ideal candidate for this 6 months internship