Status of the NGS adaptive optic system at the MMT Telescope
Abstract
The Natural Guide Star (NGS) Adaptive Optics System at the MMT Telescope (MMTAO) on Mt. Hopkins in Southern Arizona is the first in the world to use the secondary mirror as the correcting deformable mirror. Its 2.0 mm thin shell mirror, whose shape is controlled by 336 voice coil actuators, allows for nearly maximum throughput of light into the science camera. With several more deformable secondary mirrors coming online in the next few years, the lessons learned building, characterizing and operating the MMT Adaptive Optic System has proven to be quite valuable. These lessons will be discussed as well as future plans for the MMTAO System.
- Publication:
-
Advancements in Adaptive Optics
- Pub Date:
- October 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.552478
- Bibcode:
- 2004SPIE.5490..207M