Detection limits of thermal-infrared observations with adaptive optics

J. R. Sauter; W. Brandner; J. Heidt; B. R. Brandl; F. Cantalloube

doi:10.1117/12.3020222

18 July 2024 Detection limits of thermal-infrared observations with adaptive optics

J. R. Sauter, W. Brandner, J. Heidt, B. R. Brandl, F. Cantalloube

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13096, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X; 1309663 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020222
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Conference Poster

Abstract

Ground-based thermal infrared observations face substantial challenges in correcting the predominant background emitted as thermal radiation from the atmosphere and the telescope itself. This study aims to investigate the impact of thermal backgrounds on ground-based observations and identify possible limiting factors induced by it. Specifically, we evaluate temporal and spatial characteristics of backgrounds in thermal infrared data obtained from three distinct datasets, acquired using VLT/NACO and KECK/NIRC2 data. We show that the integrated thermal backgrounds do not combine ideally, thereby introducing additional losses in possible detection limits. Our analysis reveals that the backgrounds exhibit pronounced spatial intensity structures attributed to the presence of adaptive optics corrections. Additionally, we observe a strong linear relationship between the background variances and deformable mirror variability. We conclude that the applied modulation of the deformable mirror on the background is responsible for the observed spatial intensity structures which ultimately limit the detection capabilities from ground.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

J. R. Sauter, W. Brandner, J. Heidt, B. R. Brandl, and F. Cantalloube "Detection limits of thermal-infrared observations with adaptive optics", Proc. SPIE 13096, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy X, 1309663 (18 July 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020222

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