First tests of the Cassegrain adaptive optics system of the Mount Wilson 100-in telescope

J. C. Shelton; Thomas G. Schneider; Daniel L. McKenna; Sallie L. Baliunas

doi:10.1117/12.217763

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25 August 1995 First tests of the Cassegrain adaptive optics system of the Mount Wilson 100-in telescope

J. C. Shelton, Thomas G. Schneider, Daniel L. McKenna, Sallie L. Baliunas

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Proceedings Volume 2534, Adaptive Optical Systems and Applications; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.217763
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In January 1994, we began construction of a modern adaptive optics system for the newly refurbished 100-inch telescope. The design philosophy of the adaptive optics system is to achieve a working system in the visible in a short time at relatively low cost. This means wavefront sensing with natural guide stars and implementation at the bent Cassegrain focus of the telescope. The system has an integrated wavefront sensor and finder camera, and is automated for one-person operation. It uses off-the-shelf components where possible. The deformable mirror, which has 241 actuators, is on loan from the U.S. Air Force. The use of an existing mirror imposes constraints that have driven some of the design considerations. The system is operating at the telescope, with early results described below.

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J. C. Shelton, Thomas G. Schneider, Daniel L. McKenna, and Sallie L. Baliunas "First tests of the Cassegrain adaptive optics system of the Mount Wilson 100-in telescope", Proc. SPIE 2534, Adaptive Optical Systems and Applications, (25 August 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.217763

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