Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics - relay optical designs for a 4-m off-axis solar telescope

Abstract

The Sun is an ideal object for the development and application of Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO). An effort to develop solar MCAO is pursued by the NSO's Adaptive Optics Project. In developing solar MCAO we bear in mind its possible implementation into the proposed 4-M Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). Two possible relay optical designs feeding a MCAO section and the Coudé section of a 4-M off-axis solar telescope, such as the proposed ATST, are presented and discussed here.

Multiconjugation Optical Relay for an Off‐Axis Solar Telescope

“…The decision as to how many DMs will actually be needed, at what conjugate heights to place them, and the order of the layer correction (i.e., the order of DMs as discussed by Flicker [2001]) cannot yet be made, since the site survey is still in progress and information about the structure parameter for refractive index variations Cn2(h) is not available. Further input into the final design will come from the experience gained from the MCAO implementation planned for the Dunn Solar Telescope (Moretto et al 2004;Langlois et al 2004a).…”

“…Further input into the final design will come from the experience gained from the MCAO implementation planned for the Dunn Solar Telescope (Moretto et al 2004;Langlois et al 2004a).…”