High Performance Adaptive Optics for Astronomy in the Southern Hemisphere

摘要自适应光学（AO）是一种实时补偿湍流大气产生的图像退化的方法。在先前的NSF下，一种名为波前曲率传感和校正的新技术得到了发展和完善，随后被修改用于双子座北望远镜，成为第一个用于8米级单镜望远镜的AO系统。双子座献身的卓越结果最终证明了AO在大型望远镜上的有用性。目前在K波段和H波段有较好的性能。该合同将支持85个致动器的升级，将这种优异的性能扩展到J波段，将AO技术推向新的水平，并在双子座南的南半球产生独特的自适应光学天文结果。85元素系统将可供一般双子座社区使用。＊*＊

AST 9987356Abstract Adaptive optics (AO) is a method for compensating image degradations produced by the turbulent atmosphere in real time. Under prior NSF a new technique called wavefront curvature sensing and correction was developed and refined, then subsequently modified to operate on the Gemini North telescope, becoming the first AO system to be used on an 8m class telescope with a monolithic mirror. The superb results obtained for the Gemini dedication conclusively demonstrate the usefulness of AO on large telescopes. At present good performance is available in K and H bands. This award will support an upgrade to 85 actuators that will extend this excellent performance to the J band, push AO technology to new levels and produce unique astronomical results with adaptive optics in the southern hemisphere on Gemini South. The 85 element system will be available for use by the general Gemini community. ***