Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias

The IAC Instrumentation Area provides technology, development and production support for research and technological development projects. Its main aims are:   

• Developing new instruments for astrophysical research.
• Maintaining the existing astrophysics instruments.
• Training technical staff.
• Creating and making available technology.

To fulfil these aims, the Area has staff who are highly qualified in the disciplines of mechanics, optics, electronics and software and have access to advanced development and production techniques. The Area is structured as a matrix, with project managers coordinating the work of the different resources assigned by the various departments or operational services participating in the project.

The Division is organised into Engineering and Production. Engineering is made up of five departments: Project Management, Software, Electronics, Optics and Mechanics, and administers the Electronic Design Laboratory, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory, the Optical Laboratory, the Optical Coating Laboratory, the Fibre Optics Laboratory, the Mechanical Integration and Verification Laboratory and the CAD Studio. Production comprises Technical Delineation, the Electronics Workshop, the Mechanics Workshop and Instrument Maintenance, and it administers the Electrical Calibration Laboratory, the Dimensional Metrology Laboratory and the Large Instrument AIV Room.