Development of an integrated ELT-capable adaptive optics simulation facility

实现ELT雄心勃勃的科学目标将在很大程度上依赖于自适应光学系统的成功实施，在相当大的角度领域提供非常高阶的校正。我们的目标是在我们成功开发独特的硬件加速AO模拟代码的基础上，开发能够准确，快速地模拟全尺寸ELT规模AO系统的工具。对于ELT，AO系统必须与包括望远镜和仪器系统的系统范围的控制回路协调。将望远镜/仪器系统的不同部分的独立误差预算相结合的传统方法对于ELT将是不可行的。例如，主动光学（aO）和自适应光学（AO）控制系统之间的相互作用将是复杂的，并且将形成望远镜控制系统的组成部分。因此，ELT的AO的真实建模必须涉及与望远镜和主动光学系统的模型的集成，并且在许多情况下与科学仪器本身集成。因此，建模方案的一个关键部分将是通过内部开发和与相关外部团体合作，为“端到端”ELT模拟的其他组成部分创建有效的接口。目标将是建立能够确定完整的望远镜+ AO系统+仪器包的参数的模型，以满足特定的科学性能目标。这些设施的提供将大大提高联合王国在设计和开发英语教学测试仪器方面的地位。

Achieving the ambitious science goals for ELTs will rely heavily on the successful implementation of adaptive optical systems delivering very high order correction over substantial angular fields. Our aim is to build on our successful development of a unique hardware-accelerated AO simulation code to develop tools that are capable of accurately and rapidly modelling full-scale ELT-scale AO systems. For an ELT, the AO system must coordinate with system-wide control loops encompassing both the telescope and instrument systems. The traditional approach of combining independent error budgets for different parts of the telescope/instrument system will not be viable for an ELT. For example, the interaction between the active optics (aO) and adaptive optics (AO) control systems will be complex and will form an integral part of the telescope control system. Realistic modeling of AO for ELTs must therefore involve integration with models of the telescope and active optics systems and in many cases with the science instrument itself. Hence a key part of the modelling programme will be to create efficient interfaces to other components of 'end-to-end' ELT simulation, via in-house development and through collaboration with the relevant external groups. The goal will be to create models that can determine the parameters of a complete telescope + AO system + instrument package to meet specific scientific performance goals. The availability of such facilities will greatly enhance the UK's position with respect to the design and development of instrumentation for ELTs.