We explore the implementation of a vector-Apodizing Phase Plate for crowded field observation on the European Extremely Large Telescope using the MICADO instrument. In this joint effort between...Show moreWe explore the implementation of a vector-Apodizing Phase Plate for crowded field observation on the European Extremely Large Telescope using the MICADO instrument. In this joint effort between Leiden Observatory and the Kapteyn Institute, we design an APP specifically suited for crowded fields in a two stepped approach: we first assume a circular symmetric aperture which allows us to perform cone optimization. This yields a global optimal APP design. Secondly, we use an implementation of Gerchberg-Saxton to optimize our design for the non-circular symmetric aperture of the ELT. We use METIS SCAO phase screens to generate a realistic PSF (with and without an APP) and convolve the resulting PSFs with two delta functions to create a toy model crowded field. We performed basic astrometric and photometric fitting by fitting two Airy disks on the resulting field, to map the quality of fit with and without an APP in place. We can conclude that implementing a vector-APP seems to improve the fitting quality, but better fitting techniques (such as PSF-modelling) need to be used to provide a definite conclusion.Show less
It is a well-known fact that Japan harbors relatively few competent speakers of English as a Second Language. The general level of written and spoken English is low in Japan, although English...Show moreIt is a well-known fact that Japan harbors relatively few competent speakers of English as a Second Language. The general level of written and spoken English is low in Japan, although English Language Teaching is a major priority at Japanese secondary and tertiary education. On average, most Japanese learners obtain at least 6 years of written and spoken English language training, and it therefore seems surprising that the end result is seemingly disappointing. This thesis aims to analyze the main factors contributing to this lack of success and pinpoint which one it is that mostly causes the failure.Show less
