Casey T. DeRoo
Assistant Professor
- Ph.D. (2016) • Physics • University of Iowa
- B.A. (2008) • Physics & Classical Studies • University of Iowa
- Assistant Professor at University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Prof. DeRoo oversees a portfolio of technology development efforts for high energy astrophysics while mentoring graduate students in a variety of disciplines. He is a dedicated instructor, while his service efforts are focused on lowering the barrier to participation for traditionally underrepresented groups in the discipline.
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.
- X-ray/UV gratings, particularly those requiring complex periods, curved grooves, variable blazes, and/or curved substrates
- Electron-beam lithography (EBL)
- Nanofabrication techniques
- Adjustable X-ray mirrors
- Low-cost CMOS sensors for X-ray detection in platforms like CubeSats/SmallSats
- Multilayers and optical coatings for X-ray polarimetry
- To leverage new technologies to deliver high science “return on investment” for small satellites
- To infuse the innovations developed by the semiconductor/display industries into astrophysics technologies, enabling new capabilities by leveraging well-studied methods
- To equip and train the next generation of astronomical instrument builders, who lay the groundwork for scientific discovery