Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aas...20915411a&link_type=abstract
2007 AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting, American Astronomical Society Meeting 209, #154.11; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society,
Physics
Optics
Scientific paper
We show the results of a study commissioned by Gemini Observatory to determine the feasibility of implementing a Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) system on one of the Gemini telescopes. Our team, including members from HIA, University of Durham and University of Arizona, produced a detailed estimate of the performance gain of a GLAO system on Gemini through extensive modeling. In particular, we showed that over a large field of view at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, GLAO concentrates light from a point source by significantly decreasing the size of the point spread function (PSF). This improvement can be realized using a single, relatively low-order adaptive secondary mirror (ASM) to correct the wavefront errors from low altitude turbulence. Here we present both these GLAO modeling results and an overview of the GLAO design. GLAO on Gemini will be a telescope facility rather than a separate instrument; the design includes an ASM, a new laser launch facility to produce a 10 arcminute diameter asterism of four Sodium beacons, and wavefront sensors inside the Acquisition & Guide Unit. With such a Gemini GLAO facility, an overall efficiency gain up to 40% can be expected. In addition, the greatest absolute improvements in image quality will actually be realized when the conditions are worst; GLAO can effectively eliminate “bad seeing” nights at Gemini.
Andersen David R.
Gemini GLAO Feasibility Study Team
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