Satellite-borne laser for adaptive optics reference

Alain H. Greenaway

doi:10.1117/12.46752

1 September 1991 Satellite-borne laser for adaptive optics reference

Alain H. Greenaway

Proceedings Volume 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46752
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Low power (2mW) lasers mounted on a small satellite in a highly eccentric orbit can provide a bright and spectrally well-defined reference source for calibration of ground-based adaptive optic systems. Because the reference is spectrally well-defined it can be efficiently filtered in broad-band imaging applications and yet can provide a very bright reference source for wavefront detectors when imaging faint sources. Dependent on the size of the atmospheric isoplanatic patch, the satellite reference may be useful for calibrating observations of selected objects for periods in excess of 1 hr, leading to limiting magnitudes for detection of up to +30. The area of sky for which the reference is valid is restricted (order 1 sq deg of sky per telescope per year). The reference is valid for phasing aperture synthesis telescope arrays of kilometric scale. Orbital maneuvers for target selection and to increase the sky coverage will be considered.

Citation Download Citation

Alain H. Greenaway "Satellite-borne laser for adaptive optics reference", Proc. SPIE 1494, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments, (1 September 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.46752

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available