Results from a Portable Adaptive Optics System on the 1 Meter Telescope at the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station

Abstract

In this paper we present results using a compact, portable adaptive optics system. The system was developed as a joint venture between the Naval Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, and two small, New Mexico based-businesses. The system has a footprint of 18x24x18 inches and weighs less than 100 lbs. Key hardware design characteristics enable portability, easy mounting, and stable alignment. The system also enables quick calibration procedures, stable performance, and automatic adaptability to various pupil configurations. The system was tested during an engineering run in late July 2002 at the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station one-meter telescope. Weather prevented extensive testing and the seeing during the run was marginal but a sufficient opportunity was provided for proof-of-concept, initial characterization of closed loop performance, and to start addressing some of the most pressing engineering and scientific issues.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA474890

Entities

People

  • David Mozurkewich
  • Don M. Payne
  • G. Charmaine Gilbreath
  • J. T. Baker
  • Julie Friedman
  • M. Divittorio
  • Sergio R. Restaino
  • T. Martinez

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Adaptive Optics
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Calibration
  • Cameras
  • Cloud Cover
  • Commerce
  • Control Systems
  • Data Acquisition
  • Deformable Mirrors
  • Engineering
  • Military Research
  • New Mexico
  • Observatories
  • Optics
  • Telescopes

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects