High Resolution Imaging Testbed Utilizing Sodium Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics: The Real Time Wavefront Reconstructor Computer
Abstract
We have procured and assembled a real-time wavefront reconstructor computer for the PALM-3000 high-order upgrade to the Palomar adaptive optics system. This innovative computer uses a network of 17 graphics processing units to invert the measurements of a 64 x 64 wavefront sensor and reconstruct the wavefront at 3368 locations across the Hale Telescope pupil, at up to 2 kHz frame rate. A cluster of 10 desktop personal computers house the graphics processors, along with a telemetry recording system and timing hardware. The entire computer cluster is housed in two electronics racks, and connected via a high-speed data switch. We have benchmarked the performance of the system, and demonstrated that it meets the requirements of the PALM-3000 adaptive optics system, with a total latency of just 220 microsecond per frame. We are currently in the detailed design and integration phases of the optical and software components, and expect to commission the system at Palomar Observatory in early 2010.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA523385
Entities
People
- Antonin H. Bouchez
- Richard G. Dekany
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology