Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics for Astronomy

Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics for Astronomy
Author: N. Ageorges
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 362
Release: 2013-04-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401596247

Adaptive optics allows the theoretical limit of angular resolution to be achieved from a large telescope, despite the presence of turbulence. Thus an eight meter class telescope, such as one of the four in the Very Large Telescope operated by ESO in Chile, will in future be routinely capable of an angular resolution of almost 0.01 arcsec, compared tot he present resolution of about 0.5 arcsec for conventional imaging in good condition. All the world's major telescopes either have adaptive optics or are in the process of building AO systems. It turns out that a reasonable fraction of the sky can be observed using adaptive optics, with moderately good imaging quality, provided imaging in done in the near IR. To move out of the near IR, with its relatively poor angular resolution, astronomers need a laser guide star. There is a layer of Na atoms at approximately 90 km altitude that can be excited by a laser to produce such a source, or Rayleigh scattering can be employed lower in the atmosphere. But the production and use of laser guide stars is not trivial, and the key issues determining their successful implementation are discussed here, including the physics of the Na atom, the cone effect, tilt determination, sky coverage, and numerous potential astronomical applications.

Principles of Adaptive Optics

Principles of Adaptive Optics
Author: Robert Tyson
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2010-09-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1439808597

Since the publication of the second edition of Principles of Adaptive Optics, the developments and applications in this area have increased tremendously. Observatories are now producing outstanding science through adaptive optics technology; components, such as micromachined deformable mirrors and very low noise detectors, are revolutionizing the f

Adaptive Optics Engineering Handbook

Adaptive Optics Engineering Handbook
Author: Robert Tyson
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 357
Release: 1999-11-10
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0203908686

This handbook supplies analytical tools for the design and development of adaptive optics systems to enhance their ability to adjust for atmospheric turbulence, optical fabrication errors, thermally induced distortions, and laser device aberrations. It provides recommendations for selecting, testing and installing a wavefront compensation system.

Principles of Adaptive Optics

Principles of Adaptive Optics
Author: Robert K. Tyson
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 383
Release: 2015-11-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1482252341

Principles of Adaptive Optics describes the foundations, principles, and applications of adaptive optics (AO) and its enabling technologies. Addressing the fundamentals of AO at the core of new uses in biomedical imaging, communications, high-energy lasers, and astronomy, this fully revised and significantly expanded Fourth Edition:Contains all-new

Adaptive Optics in Astronomy

Adaptive Optics in Astronomy
Author: François Roddier
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 421
Release: 1999-06-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 052155375X

Adaptive optics is set to revolutionise the future of astronomy; this is the first book on the subject and is set to become the standard reference.

Adaptive Optics for Astronomy

Adaptive Optics for Astronomy
Author: D.M. Alloin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 368
Release: 1994-03-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780792327486

The blossoming of adaptive optical techniques has brought about a revolution in the field of astronomical observation. Coupled with the new generation of large, ground-based telescopes, it allows us to achieve an unprecendented angular resolution in the analysis of faint astronomical sources at optical wavelengths. This book provides the basic concepts of adaptive optics, discusses the possible instrumental strategies and the state-of-the-art technical achievements of this development and presents the key astrophysical programs which will most benefit from it. Over fifteen well-known experts have contributed to making this volume a comprehensive one, with steady progression as well as full coverage of the various aspects of the field. Students graduating in optical sciences and astrophysics, astronomers, engineers interested in atmospheric turbulence compensation will find this book a reference text on the subject.

Tunable Laser Applications

Tunable Laser Applications
Author: Frank Duarte
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 336
Release: 1995-08-18
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780824789282

This work details tunable laser applications of broad interest, historical significance and potential future value. Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, interferometry, lightening triggering, imaging, laser radar, lidar and gyroscopes are discussed. The work focuses on various sources of coherent radiation such as optical parametric oscillators, external cavity semiconductors lasers, and dye, gas, C02, ultrashort-pulse and free-electron lasers.

Very High Angular Resolution Imaging

Very High Angular Resolution Imaging
Author: J.G. Robertson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 505
Release: 2013-12-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9401108803

The 1990s are proving to be a very exciting p&iod for high angular resolution astronomy. At radio wavelengths a combination of new array instruments and pow erful imaging algorithms have generated images of unprecedented resolution and quality. In the optical and infrared, the great technical difficulties associated with constructing separated-aperture interferometers have been largely overcome, and many new instruments are now operating or are being developed. As these pro grams start to produce observational results they will be able to draw extensively on the experience gained by the radio-interferometry community. Thus it seemed that the time was ripe for a meeting which would bring together workers from all wavelength ranges to discuss the details of the science and art of "Very High Angular Resolution Imaging" . While the main emphasis of Symposium No. 158 was on high resolution tech niques from the radio, mm-wave, infrared and optical bands, it also provided an opportunity for presentation of astronomical results from these techniques. As well as giving our colleagues from the Northern Hemisphere a break from midwinter, the location of the Symposium in Australia recognised the continuing development of astronomical interferometry in this country, especially the recent completion of the Australia Telescope radio array, and the progress toward com missioning of the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer. A number of the par ticipants visited these instruments during the post-symposium tour.

Adaptive Optics for Astronomical Telescopes

Adaptive Optics for Astronomical Telescopes
Author: John W. Hardy
Publisher: Oxford Optical and Imaging Sci
Total Pages: 452
Release: 1998
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780195090192

This book by one of the leaders in adaptive optics covers the fundamental theory and then describes in detail how this technology can be applied to large ground-based telescopes to compensate for the effects of atmospheric turbulence. It includes information on basic adaptive optics components and technology, and has chapters devoted to atmospheric turbulence, optical image structure, laser beacons, and overall system design. The chapter on system design is particularly detailed and includes performance estimation and optimization. Combining a clear discussion of physical principles with numerous real-world examples, this book will be a valuable resource for all graduate students and researchers in astronomy and optics.