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Monte-Carlo simulation of ELT scale multi-object adaptive optics deformable mirror requirements and tolerances

Basden, A.G.; Bharmal, N.A.; Myers, R.M.; Morris, S.; Morris, T.J.

Monte-Carlo simulation of ELT scale multi-object adaptive optics deformable mirror requirements and tolerances Thumbnail


Authors

N.A. Bharmal

R.M. Myers



Abstract

Multi-object adaptive optics (MOAO) has been demonstrated by the CANARY instrument on the William Herschel Telescope. However, for proposed MOAO systems on the next-generation extremely large telescopes (ELTs), such as ELT Adaptive optics for GaLaxy Evolution (EAGLE), many challenges remain. Here we investigate requirements that MOAO operation places on deformable mirrors (DMs) using a full end-to-end Monte Carlo adaptive optics (AO) simulation code. By taking into consideration a prior global ground-layer (GL) correction, we show that actuator density for the MOAO DMs can be reduced with little performance loss. We note that this reduction is only possible with the addition of a GL DM, whose order is greater than or equal to that of the original MOAO mirrors. The addition of a GL DM of lesser order does not affect system performance (if tip/tilt star sharpening is ignored). We also quantify the maximum mechanical DM stroke requirements (3.5 μm desired) and provide tolerances for the DM alignment accuracy, both lateral (to within an eighth of a sub-aperture) and rotational (to within 0 ∘ . 2). By presenting results over a range of laser guide star asterism diameters, we ensure that these results are equally applicable for laser tomographic AO systems. We provide the opportunity for significant cost savings to be made in the implementation of MOAO systems, resulting from the lower requirement for DM actuator density.

Citation

Basden, A., Bharmal, N., Myers, R., Morris, S., & Morris, T. (2013). Monte-Carlo simulation of ELT scale multi-object adaptive optics deformable mirror requirements and tolerances. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 435(2), 992-998. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stt1302

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Oct 21, 2013
Deposit Date Jul 24, 2013
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Print ISSN 0035-8711
Electronic ISSN 1365-2966
Publisher Royal Astronomical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 435
Issue 2
Pages 992-998
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stt1302
Keywords Instrumentation: adaptive optics, Instrumentation: high angular resolution, Methods: numerical, Techniques: image processing.

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Copyright Statement
This article has been accepted for publication in the Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2013 The Authors. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.





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