Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging

Details Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging

2005-05-05

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0505086v2

Astrophys.J. 629 (2005) 592-614

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

31 pages, 17 figures, published in ApJ. Updated on Sep 29, 2005: Corrected error in equ. (29) and changed figures accordingly

Scientific paper

10.1086/431209

The effects of photon noise, aliasing, wavefront chromaticity and scintillation on the point spread function (PSF) contrast achievable with ground based adaptive optics (AO) are evaluated for different wavefront sensing schemes. I show that a wavefront sensor (WFS) based upon the Zernike phase contrast technique offers the best sensitivity to photon noise at all spatial frequencies, while the Shack-Hartmann WFS is significantly less sensitive. In AO systems performing wavefront sensing in the visible and scientific imaging in the near-IR, the PSF contrast limit is set by the scintillation chromaticity induced by Fresnel propagation through the atmosphere. On a 8m telescope, the PSF contrast is then limited to 1e-4 to 1e-5 in the central arcsecond. Wavefront sensing and scientific imaging should therefore be done at the same wavelength, in which case, on bright sources, PSF contrasts between 1e-6 and 1e-7 can be achieved within 1 arcsecond on a 8m telescope in optical/near-IR. The impact of atmospheric turbulence parameters (seeing, wind speed, turbulence profile) on the PSF contrast is quantified. I show that a focal plane wavefront sensing scheme offers unique advantages, and I discuss how to implement it. Coronagraphic options are also briefly discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Limits of Adaptive Optics for high contrast imaging will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-114423