【人民日报】从一台望远镜“看”源头创新

Core Insights - The AIMS telescope, the world's first dedicated mid-infrared solar magnetic field observation device, has been officially launched, enhancing human observation capabilities of the sun [2][3][4] - The development of AIMS fills a significant gap in international solar magnetic field observation in the mid-infrared band, providing a reference for future large astronomical equipment in high-altitude areas [3][4] Group 1: Technological Advancements - AIMS aims to improve magnetic field measurement precision to better than 10 Gauss and has developed the world's first mid-infrared Fourier spectrometer with both ultra-high spectral resolution and imaging capabilities, achieving a 156-fold increase in spectral resolution compared to previous domestic levels [5] - The project has made several key technological breakthroughs since its initiation in 2015, including advancements in polarization measurement technology, which required starting from scratch due to the lack of existing mid-infrared measurement devices [5][6] Group 2: Collaborative Efforts - The development of AIMS is a successful example of multidisciplinary collaboration, involving various research institutes such as the National Astronomical Observatories, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, and Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, among others [6][7] - The project emphasized top-level design and clear technical interfaces, which facilitated smooth integration of various components and minimized design rework [6] Group 3: Site Selection and Local Support - The site for AIMS was chosen based on strict requirements for sunlight exposure, dry climate, and thin air, with the final location being the Qinhai Lenghu Saishiteng Mountain after evaluating five potential sites [6][7] - Local government support was crucial for the project's construction, providing assistance such as helicopter transport for equipment to the high-altitude site [7] Group 4: Team Dynamics and Challenges - The project team, primarily composed of young researchers, faced significant challenges due to high-altitude conditions, including cold temperatures and scarce resources, yet they remained committed to advancing the project [8] - During the testing phase, the team identified and resolved issues related to low-temperature effects on imaging quality, demonstrating their problem-solving capabilities and dedication [8]