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- Telescopes
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Adaptive OpticsAdaptive Optics (AO) systems are opening new possibilities for ground based telescopes. Many technologies once restricted to large telescopes are now feasible for smaller instruments. Our involvement with AO systems development on large telescopes has given us the expertise in this area. Our AO experience includes systems integration and major component design and construction.
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 Custom AO systems open new possibilities |
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We are currently developing the Multiconjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) Module for
the Gemini South Observatory in Chile. This system uses a configuration of
five laser guide star beacons and a tomographic reconstruction of the
atmospheric wavefront degradation to correct the seeing performance of the
Gemini 8-meter telescope. EOST is performing the design and systems
integration of the AO bench and several key subsystems.
EOST is also providing the Laser Launch Telescopes (LLTs) for the Gemini MCAO system. The LLTs direct a sodium laser beam into the upper atmosphere to excite sodium atoms and generate an artificial guide star. Current laser technology limits the laser power so the LLT must maximize throughput. An off-axis optical design is used to eliminate the obscuration. Beam quality is tightly controlled and throughput maximized by high reflectivity dielectic coatings and an ultra-precise opto-mechanical support structure. |
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3160 E. Transcon Way