Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation for the Astronomical Sciences

The Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation for the Astronomical Sciences (ATI) program serves to fund both individual and collaborative research projects. These projects aim to develop innovative technologies and instrumentation to be utilized in ground-based astronomy and astrophysics. The ATI program exists to support the science objectives of the Division of Astronomical Sciences, constantly encouraging the creation of new and groundbreaking technologies and tools - even those with a high level of technical risk.

The program encompasses several categories such as advanced technology development, concept feasibility studies, and specialized instrumentation. Its goal is enabling new observations that were previously difficult or impossible due to limitations in current technology. Supported proposals can include hardware and software development, as well as analysis aspects, unlocking new types of astronomical observations.

The program places significant emphasis on providing access to the technologies developed through the ATI program to the wider US astronomical community. This access is a key measure of success for the program. To ensure the sharing of information among funded research projects, an annual meeting of all Principal Investigators is held. The primary objective of these meetings is to ensure an exchange of information and ideas across different research efforts.