Investigation of Closed Loop Adaptive Optics with the Deformable Mirror not in Pupil- Part 2: Theory (POSTPRINT)

Abstract

This is the second of two papers discussing aspects of placing the deformable mirror in a location not conjugate to the pupil plane telescope. The Starfire Optical Range, Air Force Research Laboratory is in the process of developing a high efficiency adaptive optics (AO) system for its 3.5m telescope. The objective is to achieve maximum optical throughput while maintaining diffraction limited performance. This can be achieved by minimizing the number of optical elements which then implies placing the AO system on gimbal. Doing so forces the deformable mirror (DM) to not be conjugate to the pupil. However, placing the DM so that it is not conjugate to the pupil results in degradation in Strehl. Wave optics simulation has shown a 7-15% degradation in Strehl. In the previous paper, we experimentally measured this degradation. Then we determine a means to mitigate this degradation in a manner that is implementable on conventional AO systems. Simulation results are presented to validate the veracity of the mitigation technique.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA515875

Entities

People

  • Charles Beckner
  • Darryl J. Sanchez
  • Deborah Fung
  • Denis Oesh
  • Katherine Lilevjen
  • Loretta Arguello
  • Mala Mateen
  • Patrick C. Kelly
  • R. A. Vincent
  • Roger Petty
  • Troy Rhoadarmer

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Astronomical Observatories
  • Deformable Mirrors
  • Degradation
  • Diffraction
  • Efficiency
  • Geometry
  • Military Research
  • Mirrors
  • Optics
  • Simulations
  • Standards
  • Telescopes
  • Throughput
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects