KAUST's Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC) developed Multiple Object Adaptive Optics (MOAO) software. The software will contribute to the activities of the world's largest future optical telescope to be deployed in Chile in 2024. MOAO will eliminate atmospheric noise and enable simultaneous observation of multiple objects at different distances. Why it matters: This contribution highlights KAUST's role in cutting-edge astronomical research and positions the Middle East as a key player in advancing observational astronomy.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
The KAUST Amateur Astronomy Association (AAA), led by Ph.D. student Daniel Corzo, uses telescopes to observe the night sky. The group organizes events to view celestial objects like Saturn and the Milky Way from locations with low light pollution. Corzo's interest in astronomy was sparked by visits to NASA's Johnson Space Center and science fiction literature. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote scientific curiosity and engagement within the KAUST community, potentially inspiring further interest in STEM fields in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST collaborated with NASA's Langley Research Center to launch six weather balloons from KAUST's Coastal & Marine Laboratory, reaching an altitude of 35 kilometers. The balloons were equipped with instruments to measure meteorological properties and characterize the optical properties of aerosols, including a Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol Detector (COBALD). The research focuses on understanding the impact of dust aerosols on the Arabian Peninsula, including their effects on climate, air quality, and solar energy. Why it matters: This collaboration advances understanding of atmospheric aerosols in the region, with implications for climate modeling, solar energy efficiency, and Red Sea ecosystems.
Edward C. Stone, former Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratories at Caltech, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017. He discussed the exploration of Neptune's moon Triton, enabled by the Voyager 2 mission. The article includes images from NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions and a photo of King Abdullah. Why it matters: Such events and collaborations enhance KAUST's reputation as a leading science and technology university.
John Ellis, a theoretical physicist from King's College London, spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about understanding how the universe works. He discussed the Standard Model of particle physics, highlighting fundamental particles and forces. He emphasized the crucial role of the Higgs boson in enabling the formation of atoms and the possibility of life. Why it matters: Understanding fundamental physics is crucial for technological advancement and provides a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos, inspiring future generations of scientists in the region.
KAUST researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to control a deformable mirror within the Subaru Telescope's exoplanet imaging camera, compensating for atmospheric turbulence. The algorithm, which computes a partial singular value decomposition (SVD), outperforms a standard SVD by a factor of four. The KAUST team received a best paper award at the PASC Conference for this work, which has already been deployed at the Subaru Telescope. Why it matters: This advancement enables sharper images of exoplanets, facilitating their identification and study, and showcases the impact of optimizing core linear algebra algorithms.
KAUST alumnus Muhammed Sameed, who completed his master's degree in material science and engineering in 2012, works at CERN on the ALPHA experiment, which uses lasers to measure the properties of anti-hydrogen. Researchers at CERN are investigating the fundamental structure of the universe, including the absence of anti-matter. Current research indicates that every process that creates matter also creates anti-matter in the same amount, which does not align with the observable universe. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training scientists who contribute to cutting-edge research in fundamental physics, even at international facilities like CERN.