Versatile wavefront simulator

摘要

Abstract: A new concept for a device able to simulate evolving atmospherically distorted wavefronts for the adaptive optics system of the Italian facility Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) is presented. The goodness of performances of an adaptive optics system depends upon the testing accuracy of its components made under different seeing conditions. Moreover, in order to not loose good seeing nights, the possibility to perform tests during day-light can become strongly important. Introducing a simulator able to generate the image of an astronomical object deformed by atmosphere can help to solve many such problems. In order to create the wanted distortion we use phase changing plate (PCP) screens. A system of moving screens and adjustable zooms provides to change, over a wide range, some fundamental parameters of the atmosphere turbulence like fired parameter r$-o$/, Greenwood frequency f$-G$/ and the isoplanatic angle $theta$-o$/. !22