Point Spread Function Determination: Unlocking the Full Scientific Value of Adaptive Optics

尽管自适应光学（AO）的出现开创了一个利用大型地面望远镜的高分辨率进行重大发现的时代，但缺乏对点扩散函数（PSF）的了解仍然是一个基本的限制。目前，星系外、银河系和太阳系的AO科学项目依赖于非同步PSF校准恒星，这导致天体测量学、光度学、形态学和运动学方面的随机和系统误差增加。定量AO科学的未来，以及Peter Wizinowich博士和他在加州天文学研究协会的合作者提出的项目目标，在于基于望远镜和AO系统收集的实时遥测数据重建同步PSF知识。该提案将开发用于轴向自然和激光导星AO科学观测的PSF测定工具，并演示使用这些工具使用10米直径的凯克望远镜可以实现的定量科学改进。通过该项目产生的显著改进的能力将直接提供给加州理工学院、加州大学和夏威夷大学的天文学家，通过他们的时间分配委员会，而整个美国社区将受益于他们通过NASA和NSF望远镜系统仪器计划访问Keck。此外，凯克天文台的成功将使PSF的确定成为全世界大型望远镜上AO的现实，因为算法和技术将公开可用。凯克还将加强其在AO专家培训方面的作用，并继续为当地居民、教育工作者，特别是学生提供教育项目和服务，包括积极参与针对夏威夷当地学生的Akamai劳动力计划。NSF天文科学部通过其先进技术和仪器项目为实时PSF评估技术的开发提供资金。

Although the advent of adaptive optics (AO) has ushered in an era of dramatic discoveries that make use of the superb resolution of large ground-based telescopes, lack of knowledge of the point spread function (PSF) still stands as a fundamental limitation. Extragalactic, galactic and solar system AO science programs currently rely on non-synchronous PSF calibration stars, which results in increased random and systematic errors in astrometry, photometry, morphology and kinematics. The future of quantitative AO science, and the goal of the project proposed by Dr. Peter Wizinowich and his collaborators at the California Association for Research in Astronomy, lies in reconstructing synchronous PSF knowledge based on real-time telemetry collected from the telescope and AO system.This proposal will develop PSF determination tools for on-axis both natural and laser guide-star AO science observations and demonstrate the quantitative science improvements that can be realized with these tools using the 10-m diameter Keck telescopes. The significantly improved capabilities produced through this program will be directly available to astronomers at the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the University of Hawaii through their time allocation committees, while the entire U.S. community will benefit due to their access to Keck through NASA and the NSF Telescope System Instrumentation Program. Moreover, success at the Keck Observatory would enable PSF determination to become a reality for AO on large telescopes worldwide, as the algorithms and techniques will be made publically available. Keck will also reinforce its role in the training of AO experts and continue to offer educational programs and services to work with local residents, educators and especially students, including its strong participation in the Akamai Workforce Initiative aimed at local Hawaiian students.Funding for the development of real-time PSF assessment techniques is being provided by NSF's Division of Astronomical Sciences through its Advanced Technologies and Instrumentation program.