The laser guide star program for the LBT

S. Rabien*, N. Ageorges, R. Angel, G. Brusa, J. Brynnel, L. Busoni, R. Davies, M. Deysenroth, S. Esposito, W. Gässlere, R. Genzel, R. Green, M. Haug, M. Lloyd Hart, G. Hölzl, E. Masciadri, R. Pogge, A. Quirrenbach, M. Rademacher, H. W. RixP. Salinari, C. Schwab, T. Stalcup, J. Storm, L. Strüder, M. Thiel, G. Weigelt, J. Ziegleder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Laser guide star adaptive optics and interferometry are currently revolutionizing ground-based near-IR astronomy, as demonstrated at various large telescopes. The Large Binocular Telescope from the beginning included adaptive optics in the telescope design. With the deformable secondary mirrors and a suite of instruments taking advantage of the AO capabilities, the LBT will play an important role in addressing major scientific questions. Extending from a natural guide star based system, towards a laser guide stars will multiply the number of targets that can be observed. In this paper we present the laser guide star and wavefront sensor program as currently being planned for the LBT. This program will provide a multi Rayleigh guide star constellation for wide field ground layer correction taking advantage of the multi object spectrograph and imager LUCIFER in a first step. The already foreseen upgrade path will deliver an on axis diffraction limited mode with LGS AO based on tomography or additional sodium guide stars to even further enhance the scientific use of the LBT including the interferometric capabilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdaptive Optics Systems
EditorsNorbert Hubin, Claire E. Max, Peter L. Wizinowich
Place of PublicationBellingham, WA
PublisherSPIE
Pages1-12
Number of pages12
Volume7015
ISBN (Print)9780819472250
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventAdaptive Optics Systems - Marseille, France
Duration: 23 Jun 200826 Jun 2008

Other

OtherAdaptive Optics Systems
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityMarseille
Period23/06/0826/06/08

Keywords

  • Ground layer adaptive optics
  • Large binocular telescope
  • Laser guide stars

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