What areas of nano/optical research applies to astrophysics?

[astroman707]

I'm an undergraduate and there is a very good optical spectroscopy and nano-materials physics lab at my college. I have FULL access to all equipment and a professor in that field is offering me a ridiculous amount of co-research time during the school year. However, I'm really only interested in astrophysics.
My question:
*Are there areas of research that I can do with the professor that will give me knowledge and/or skills that will be applicable to some area of astrophysics? *
I don't want to waste an opportunity to do A LOT of quality research as an undergrad, even though it's not in my field of interest. But if it won't look good to graduate schools, I won't waste my time.

****I don't know if it helps, but here is a list of the equipment available in this specific physics lab.****

*Photoluminescence Spectrometer Fluorolog-3
* UV-VIS Micro-Spectrometer with polarization capabilities
* Raman Micro-Spectrometer with polarization capabilities
* Fourier Transform Infrared Micro-Spectrometer with ATR objective
* Ellipsometer
*Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
*Differential Scanning Calorimeter
* Abbe Refractometer, NAR-1Tsolid
* Atomic Force Microscope, Q-scope 250
*High Temperature furnace 500 °C to 1600 °C. with capability of inert atmosphere
* Heating stage – 77 K – 870 K
*Spin Coater
*Sputter Coater Acoustical and vibrational isolation chamber for the Atomic Force Microscopy
* Optical, vibration free tables

 

[trurle]

You can try a work related to design of hyperspectral imagers, especially in NIR wavelengths. Equipment seems to be helpful at least for imagers characterization, and may be even for fabrication of some parts. HS imagers are expected to be highly useful in the decades to come, due to coming rush of robotic exploration of Solar System.

 

[astroman707]

You can try a work related to design of hyperspectral imagers, especially in NIR wavelengths. Equipment seems to be helpful at least for imagers characterization, and may be even for fabrication of some parts. HS imagers are expected to be highly useful in the decades to come, due to coming rush of robotic exploration of Solar System.

Thanks. I’ll look into that!