Extending the search for ETI communication to near-infrared wavelengths

We are poised to take advantage of a remarkable confluence of technological advances and scientific opportunity. For the first time, very fast, wide bandwidth, high-gain, low noise near-infrared avalanche photo diode (APDs) detectors are available and reasonably priced. We are designing and constructing a new SETI instrument to search for direct evidence of interstellar communications via pulsed laser signals at near-infrared (900 - 1700 nm) wavelengths. The new instrument design builds upon our past optical SETI work, and is the first step toward a new, more versatile, and more sophisticated generation of very fast optical and near-infrared pulse search devices. 

Dr. Wright will discuss the advantages of SETI searches at near-infared wavelengths. She will also present the instrument layout, including an overview of the opto-mechanical design, detector selection and characterization, signal processing, and integration procedure. Finally, Dr. Wright will describe our initial observational setup and search strategies for SETI targets and other astronomical studies.

Speaker: Dr. Shelly Wright, University of Toronto