Adaptive optics for the 6.5-m single mirror conversion of the Multiple Mirror Telescope

摘要

Abstract: For the past three years, Steward Observatory's adaptive optics program has been directed toward developing and testing techniques required to correct large telescopes to the diffraction limit. Previously, we have reported on a specific design for an 8 m sodium-laser adaptive system capable of achieving a strong diffraction-limited core at imaging wavelengths of 1.6 - 2.2 microns, with very good sky coverage for image motion sensing using infrared field stars. Recent experiments at the 6.9 m Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) have provided the first large aperture measurements of off-axis anisoplanatism for natural stars and focus anisoplanatism for an artificial sodium beacon. This paper summarizes predicted performance for adaptive optics planned for the upgraded MMT, after conversion in 1996 to a single-mirror telescope using the 6.5 m primary mirror developed at Steward's Mirror Laboratory. Performance estimates are obtained using the real MMT atmospheric data and lead to component specifications which are realizable in the near term, permitting the system to be developed and integrated for operation soon after the telescope upgrade is completed.!5