Principles, limitations, and performance of multiconjugate adaptive optics

Francois J. Rigaut; Brent L. Ellerbroek; Ralf Flicker

doi:10.1117/12.390311

7 July 2000 Principles, limitations, and performance of multiconjugate adaptive optics

Francois J. Rigaut, Brent L. Ellerbroek, Ralf Flicker

Proceedings Volume 4007, Adaptive Optical Systems Technology; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390311
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) holds the promise of moderate to large adaptively compensated field of view with uniform image quality. This paper is a first effort to analyze the fundamental limitations of such systems, and that are mainly related to the finite number of deformable mirrors and guide stars. We demonstrate that the ultimate limitation is due to the vertical discretization of the correction. This effect becomes more severe quite rapidly with increasing compensated field of view or decreasing wavelength, but does not depend at first order on the telescope aperture. We also discuss limitations associated with the use of laser guide stars and ELT related issues.

Citation Download Citation

Francois J. Rigaut, Brent L. Ellerbroek, and Ralf Flicker "Principles, limitations, and performance of multiconjugate adaptive optics", Proc. SPIE 4007, Adaptive Optical Systems Technology, (7 July 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390311

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