A proposed implementation of a ground layer adaptive optics system on the Gemini telescope

Kei Szeto, David Andersen, David Crampton, Simon Morris, Michael Lloyd-Hart, Richard Myers, Joseph B. Jensen, Murray Fletcher, W. Rusty Gardhouse, N. Mark Milton, John Pazder, Jeff Stoesz, Doug Simons, Jean Pierre Véran

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a simple and cost-effective concept for implementing a Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system on Gemini that will feed all instruments mounted at the Cassegrain focus. The design concept can provide a GLAO correction to any of the current or future seeing-limited optical or near-infrared Gemini instruments. The GLAO design uses an adaptive secondary mirror and provides a significant upgrade to the current telescope acquisition-and-guide system while reusing and building upon the existing telescope facilities and infrastructure. This paper discusses the overall design of the GLAO system including optics, opto-mechanics, laser guide star facilities, natural and laser guide stars wavefront sensors. Such a GLAO system will improve the efficiency of essentially all observations with Gemini and also will help with scheduling since it virtually eliminates poor seeing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: May 25 2006May 29 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6269 III
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherGround-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period5/25/065/29/06

Keywords

  • Acquisition and Guide
  • Adaptive Optics
  • Adaptive Secondary
  • Ground Layer
  • Laser Guide Star

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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