Casey T. DeRoo
Associate Professor
Education
- Ph.D. (2016) • Physics • University of Iowa
- B.A. (2008) • Physics & Classical Studies • University of Iowa
Current Position
- Assistant Professor at University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Prof. DeRoo oversees a portfolio of technology development in gratings, optics, and detectors for X-ray astronomy. He is a dedicated instructor, focused on teaching introductory astronomy courses for undergraduates and mentoring graduate students in optics, metrology, and nanofab.
Customized cylindrical grating patterned with electron-beam lithography being examined with a microscope and an interferometer to quantify its performance capabilities. The patterning techniques studied by Dr. DeRoo may result in improved grating performance or reduce the time required to make such a grating.
Technology Interests
- X-ray/UV gratings, particularly those requiring complex periods, curved grooves, variable blazes, and/or curved substrates
- Electron-beam lithography (EBL) and other nanofabrication techniques
- Adjustable X-ray optics, and other approaches to realizing thin, high angular resolution X-ray mirrors
- Multilayers & optical coatings, particularly for X-ray polarimetry
- Commercially-available CMOS sensors adapted for X-ray astronomy
Goals and Aspirations
- To leverage new technologies to deliver high science “return on investment” for small satellites
- To infuse the capabilities of the semiconductor/display industries into astrophysics, enabling innovations by leveraging well-studied commercial methods
- To equip and train the next generation of astronomical instrument builders, who lay the groundwork for scientific discovery