Mesoscale atmospherical model for a 3D optical turbulence characterization in astronomy

Elena Masciadri

doi:10.1117/12.457002

7 February 2003 Mesoscale atmospherical model for a 3D optical turbulence characterization in astronomy

Elena Masciadri

Proceedings Volume 4839, Adaptive Optical System Technologies II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.457002
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The characterization of the optical turbulence (OT) should be considered as one of the most important challenges related to the ELTs feasibility. During the past few years it was proved that the limitations of the adaptive optics techniques due to the turbulence change as the AO techniques evolve. For this reason, it would be useful to develop a flexible tool that could characterize the turbulence in an exhaustive way and that permits, at the same time, relatively simple adaptations in order to satisfy new requirements of the AO techniques and the site testing. In this contribution I will talk about the usefulness of meso-scale atmospherical models for a 3D characterization of the optical turbulence. I will present the principal potentialities of the numerical technique in the astronomical context and the different methods that can be employed to simulate the OT. I will present the progress obtained in OT simulations using the 'Meso-Nh' model on some of the best observatories in the world: Cerro Paranal (Chile), Roque de Los Muchachos (Canary Islands) and San Pedro Martir (Mexico). I will show which is the score of success presently attained with the numerical technique and I will try to sketch how such simulations could be a useful support for AO techniques. Finally, I will talk about applications of the model to the selection of astronomical sites for the ELTs.

Citation Download Citation

Elena Masciadri "Mesoscale atmospherical model for a 3D optical turbulence characterization in astronomy", Proc. SPIE 4839, Adaptive Optical System Technologies II, (7 February 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.457002

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

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
12 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Atmospheric modeling

Adaptive optics

3D modeling

Optical turbulence

Turbulence

Astronomy

Reliability

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years