Progress with UnISIS: a Rayleigh laser-guided adaptive optics system

Laird A. Thompson; Scott W. Teare; Yao-Heng Xiong; Abhijit Chakraborty; Robert Gruendl

doi:10.1117/12.552207

25 October 2004 Progress with UnISIS: a Rayleigh laser-guided adaptive optics system

Laird A. Thompson, Scott W. Teare, Yao-Heng Xiong, Abhijit Chakraborty, Robert Gruendl

Proceedings Volume 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552207
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

The UnISIS adaptive optics system is now completed and ready for science observations. We describe the experience we have gained in building and using the system, and we give a preview of one new science goal: the use of Gaussian aperture pupil masks for high-contrast imaging of companion objects near bright stars. A key aspect of the UnISIS design is the simultaneous use of two wavefront sensors, one for natural stars and the other for the laser guide star. We demonstrate the performance of this calibration system with results from on-the-bench tests. We describe several practical aspects of observing at Mt. Wilson including our ability to predict the nights of best seeing with weather data available on-line. We also show how the laser guide star return signal is enhanced by observing at large zenith angles and compare this to Rayleigh scattering models.

Citation Download Citation

Laird A. Thompson, Scott W. Teare, Yao-Heng Xiong, Abhijit Chakraborty, and Robert Gruendl "Progress with UnISIS: a Rayleigh laser-guided adaptive optics system", Proc. SPIE 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics, (25 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552207

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