About me
Postdoctoral researcher at Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale
After successfully graduating from the ELISA Aerospace engineering school in 2017, I put my skills to work in astrophysics as a research engineer at the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale. I extend my knowledge in the field of sub-millimeter instrumentation, and more specifically on cryogenics. Following this, I undertook a Ph.D. in the same laboratory to develop a new generation of sub-Kelvin coolers for space applications. I graduated in 2023.
Now, as a postdoctoral researcher, I am driven by curiosity, motivated by challenges, and adept at adapting to various tasks. Specializing in developing instruments for astrophysics, I passionately develop cutting-edge instruments to explore the mysteries of the universe. My versatile skill set and competence enable me to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Research projects
First author publications
2022
V.Sauvage et al. | "A new thermo-mechanical structure design for space qualified closed-cycle dilution refrigerator"
SPIE proceedings, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XI, 121902J.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629405
Second author publications
2024
A.Besnard et al. | "A cryogenic facility to characterize detector-particle interactions"
SPIE proceedings, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XII, 131021M.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3019780
B.Maffei et al. | "BISOU: a balloon pathfinder for CMB spectral distortions studies"
SPIE proceedings, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XII, 131020N.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018371
2023
JP.Bernard et al. | "Performances of the polarization leakage correction in the PILOT data"
Experimental Astronomy 56, pages 197-222.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-022-09882-5
B.Maffei et al. | "BISOU: A balloon project to measure the CMB spectral distortions"
The Sixteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting, pages 1630-1644.
https://doi.org/10.1142/9789811269776_0129
2022
B.Maffei et al. | "BISOU: a balloon project for spectral observations of the early universe"
SPIE proceedings, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XI, 121900A.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630136
2020
S.L.Stever et al. | "Benefits of Bolometer Joule Stepping and Joule Pulsing"
Journal of Low Temperature Physics 199, pages 110-117.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-019-02302-7
2018
R.M.J.Janssen et al. | "Commissioning of a common-user test facility to evaluate the effects on high-energy particles on next-generation cryogenic detectors"
SPIE proceedings, High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for astronomy VII, 107091V.
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2311686
Projects involvment
Present projects
Development of the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator
Immersed in advancing the frontier of space technology, I play a significant role in designing the next iteration of sub-Kelvin coolers dedicated to space applications. This groundbreaking system aims to achieve a continuous 100 mK, crucial for colling down the focal planes of upcoming astrophysical satellites. I conduct thorough material property measurements, simulations, and experimental validations while spearheading the R&D efforts for critical subsystems within the project.
Development of the BISOU balloon borne experiment
Centered on scrutinizing spectral distortions within the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the BISOU balloon-borne experiment demands meticulous thermal regulation. My engagement spans the development of the cryogenic instrument and extends to crafting a versatile cryostat tailored to house forthcoming instrument prototypes, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Development of a facility for Detector-Particles interactions
As revealed by the Planck telescope, the influence of cosmic rays on detectors imposes constraints on instrument sensitivity. With future missions demanding heightened sensitivity, the investigation into high-energy particle interactions with detectors and focal planes emerges as critical. My current focus revolves around designing a cryogenic facility that can be deployed in front of particle accelerators, facilitating in-depth studies of the next generation of detectors.
Participation in the LiteBIRD mission
Centered on probing the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) B-modes, the Japanese space mission LiteBIRD necessitates meticulous material property characterization at ultra-low temperatures for the 100 milliKelvin focal plane design. Additionally, I conduct experimental characterization to assess the performance of detector prototypes under cosmic ray exposure, enhancing mission readiness and scientific reliability.
Past projects
Preparation of the PILOT balloon borne instrument
In anticipation of its final flight, I prepared the photometer for the balloon-borne PILOT mission, directed towards polarimetric exploration of galactic dust. Throughout the extensive 50-day campaign culminating in a successful 38-hour flight in 2017 over Timmins, Canada, I actively contributed to cryogenic and vacuum system management alongside logistical coordination, ensuring operational efficacy and mission accomplishment.
Students supervision
Mrs Anaïs Besnard | Oct. 2023 - Sept. 2026
Ph.D. | Sub-Kelvin cryogenic developments for future CMB projects
Mrs Anaïs Besnard | March 2023 - Sept. 2023
Internship | Development of the fountain pump for the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator
Mr Yassine Latigui-Devienne | March 2022 - Sept. 2022
Internship | Thermo-mechanical characterisation of 3D printed material for space applications
Mr Julio Randriatashina | May 2020 - July 2020
Internship | Experimental determination of the thermal conductivity of selected materials at very low temperature
Mr Anthony Bervas | April 2019 - June 2019
Internship | Development of a testbench for the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator
Public presentations
2023
June | From the Galaxy to the Big Bang (Banyuls, France) | Poster on "the lastest developments on the CCDR STM"
June | European Cryogenic Workshop for Space (Noordwijk, The Netherlands) | Presentation on "the lastest developments on the CCDR"
March | Ph.D. defense (Orsay, France) | Presentation on "Development of a Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator for future cosmological missions"
2022
August | ByoPic day (Orsay, France) | Presentation on "the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator"
July | SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation (Montreal, Canada) | Poster on "the developments of a STM of the CCDR"
May | Physics Junior Workshop on Quercy (Le Bastit, France) | Presentation on "how and why cooling down stuff on space?"
March | Elbereth conference (Meudon, France) | Presentation on "how does the CCDR works?"
2021
November | Rencontres du Ciel et de l'Espace (Paris, France) | Five minutes presentation of my thesis
October | CNES young researchers days (Toulouse, France) | Presentation & poster on "the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator"
March | Ma thèse en 180 secondes (Gif sur Yvette, France) | Three minutes presentation of my thesis
February | Elbereth conference (Paris, France) | Presentation on "why cooling down detectors on space?"
2020
February | Elbereth conference (Paris, France) | Presentation on "What is the Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigerator?"
Resume
Here is an overview of my career and academic path
Professional Experiences
Post-doctoral on instrumental cosmology | April 2023 - Now
Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (Orsay, FRANCE)
I keep working on my research topics such as the development of the space Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigator, the cryogenic development of the balloon-borne mission BISOU, and the study of the impact of cosmic rays on future detectors for the LiteBIRD mission.
Ph.D on instrumental cosmology | Oct. 2019 - March 2023
Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (Orsay, FRANCE)
For three years and a half, I worked on the development of a Closed-Cycle Dilution Refrigator for future cosmological missions. The thesis was supervised by Pr. Bruno Maffei from Université Paris-Saclay.
Research engineer on space instrumentation | Oct. 2017 - Sept. 2019
Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale (Orsay, FRANCE)
For two years, I have worked on the development of sub-systems of a new-generation sub-Kelvin cooler called CCDR. I was also involved in the preparation of the third flight of the PILOT balloon borne experiment.
Education
Engineering diploma on rockets and space systems | Sept. 2014 - Sept. 2017
EcoLe d'Ingénieur des Sciences Aérospatiales (Saint-Quentin, FRANCE)
- Design of rockets and satellites
- Orbital mechanics, Atomspherical entry
- Thermodynamics, Thermal transferts
- Fluid mechanics, Aerodynamics
- Signal processing (digital and analog)
Preparatory classes | Sept. 2012 - July 2014
Hautes Etudes d'Ingénieur (Lille, FRANCE)
Integrated preparatory classes on mathematics, physics and engineering sciences.
Scientific outreach
Alongside my research, I regularly share scientific insights and astronomy topics with newcomers. Here's a glimpse into my outreach efforts.
- All
- Schools
- Events
And much more ...
Themed summer camps:
July 2018 | Fusées, Drones et Avions with Telligo at Pamiers, France | 15 days with 12-16 years old campers on astronomy and rockets.
Oct. 2017 | Objectif spationaute with Telligo at Damvillers, France | 10 days with 8-13 years old campers on astronomy and rockets.
April 2017 | Fusées, Drones et Avions with Telligo at Montauban, France | 15 days with 12-16 years old campers on astronomy and rockets.
Aug. 2016 | La tête dans les étoiles with Telligo at Pamiers, France | 15 days with 8-14 years old campers on astronomy.
July 2015 | Fusées, Drones et Avions with Telligo at Pamiers, France | 15 days with 12-16 years old campers on astronomy and rockets.
July 2015 | Objectif spationaute with Telligo at Damvillers, France | 10 days with 8-13 years old campers on astronomy and rockets.
Teaching
Here is an overview of my teaching
2023-2024
Master 2 | Practical work | Designing a space instrument | 5 students pairs for 8 hours each
2021-2022
License 1 | Lecture, Practical work, directed study | Geometric optics | 68 hours
Master 1 | Practical work | Astronomy though a telescope | 1 group of 5 students for 5 hours
2020-2021
License 1 | Lecture, practical work, directed study | Geometric optics | 68 hours
Master 1 | Directed study | Signal processing | 10 hours
2019-2020
License 1 | Lecture, practical work, directed study | Geometric optics | 68 hours