Astronomical constraints of laser-beacon adaptive optics systems I: the tracking problem

Edward J. Kibblewhite; Mark Richard Chun

doi:10.1117/12.176060

31 May 1994 Astronomical constraints of laser-beacon adaptive optics systems I: the tracking problem

Edward J. Kibblewhite, Mark Richard Chun

Proceedings Volume 2201, Adaptive Optics in Astronomy; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176060
Event: 1994 Symposium on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation for the 21st Century, 1994, Kailua, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

We present an analysis of the tracking error for a laser guide star adaptive optics system with a quadrant detector using the astronomical science target as the reference source. A simple formula relating the tracking error to the SNR and the image profile in the detector plane allows the tracking error for any object and system point spread function to be computed. These calculations show that many types of faint (20 magnitude) science target objects can be used to track provided a high Strehl is achieved at 2.3 micron. This eliminates the need for an off-axis guide star. As an example of a resolved target source, we calculate the tracking error for the spiral galaxy M31 placed at distances out to 100 Mpc. For a given target object spectral energy distribution, an optimal wavelength is obtained from a signal-to-noise calculation. For a given tracking wavelength, the limiting flux is determined by the adaptive optics system's Strehl ratio at the tracking wavelength.

Citation Download Citation

Edward J. Kibblewhite and Mark Richard Chun "Astronomical constraints of laser-beacon adaptive optics systems I: the tracking problem", Proc. SPIE 2201, Adaptive Optics in Astronomy, (31 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176060

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available