SCIENCE-DRIVEN INSTRUMENTATION

In this dissertation we review the author s work in experimental astrophysics including several cryogenic infrared instruments built at the University of Florida Department of Astronomy, and applications to two science cases. Exploratory science and instrumentation go hand-in-hand. New measurements require new instruments, and new instruments require domain-specific knowledge in order to be effective. Our work focuses on instruments that will revolutionize the science that can be done both in our local Solar neighborhood and at the Galactic Center (GC) using novel instrumentation techniques and tools such as slicers, 3D printers, and bolt-and-go design. These instruments include one-off prototype technology demonstrators, visitor-class, and facility-class instruments for one of the largest telescopes on Earth