David Doelman Email & Phone Number

My research goal is to find life beyond our solar system and to understand the formation of Earth-like planets by developing novel and crucial technological innovations. At SRON my research focuses on polarimetry and high-contrast imaging for space-based instruments. I collaborate closely with ColorLink Japan ltd. and NOVA to develop high-quality liquid-crystal optics for astronomical applications. I am Co-PI on the SUPPPPRESSS project funded by ESA (2 year, €650K) to improve the manufacturing and space-qualify liquid-crystal multi-grating vortex coronagraphs I developed (Doelman et al. 2020, 2023a).I lead the liquid-crystal device development for the space-based high-precision astrometry TOLIMAN mission. Lastly, I simulate polarimetric observations of exoplanets with the Roman Space Telescope as Co-I in NASA’s community participation program (Doelman et al. 2023b).

My research goal is to implement novel concepts in diffraction-limited optical and infrared instruments for telescopes, to find and characterize extra-solar planets. It involves design, manufacturing, and commissioning of customized optics and requires good communication, creativity, and both simulation and lab skills. Selected projects:- Designed liquid-crystal coronagraphs currently used, or soon implemented, in 7 different instruments.- Produced and tested a wavefront sensor to simultaneously measure amplitude and phase aberrations with a single exposure. It is currently tested for space telescopes at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.- Created and tested a new concept to use liquid-crystal waveplates to generate white light holograms.- Improved concept of interferometric mask to work broadband. Designed a mask and coordinatedmanufacturing, implementation, and testing of this mask together with teams from Sydney (USYD),North Carolina (NCSU), California (UCLA) and Hawaii (Keck observatory).Highlights:- Led 4 projects from concept stage to implementation in an instrument.- Built diffraction limited optical setups to test and verify optics.- Internship at North Carolina State University, USA for a duration of 4 months.- Co-wrote successful grant application to advance interferometric concept I developed. Funding : $65k.Promotor : Christoph Keller, co-promotor : Frans Snik

Master Of Science - Ms, Astronomy, 8.3/10 - Cum Laude

I customized the educational program with courses from Leiden University and Delft University of Technology, focusing on optical.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Physics, 8.4/10

The educational programs included courses on physics, supplemented by mathematics and programming courses.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Astronomy, 8.4/10

The educational programs included courses on astronomy and physics, supplemented by mathematics and programming courses. BSc project.