Gemini multi-conjugate adaptive optics system review II: Commissioning, operation and overall performance

The Gemini Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics System - GeMS, a facility instrument mounted on the Gemini South telescope, delivers a uniform, near diffraction limited images at near infrared wavelengths (0.95 microns- 2.5 microns) over a field of view of 120 arc seconds. GeMS is the first sodium layer...

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Published in:arXiv.org 2014-02
Main Authors: Neichel, Benoit, Rigaut, François, Vidal, Fabrice, van Dam, Marcos A, Garrel, Vincent, Eleazar Rodrigo Carrasco, Pessev, Peter, Winge, Claudia, Boccas, Maxime, d'Orgeville, Céline, Arriagada, Gustavo, Serio, Andrew, Fesquet, Vincent, Rambold, William N, Lührs, Javier, Moreno, Cristian, Gaston Gausachs, Galvez, Ramon L, Montes, Vanessa, Vucina, Tomislav B, Marin, Eduardo, Urrutia, Cristian, Lopez, Ariel, Diggs, Sarah J, Marchant, Claudio, Ebbers, Angelic W, Trujillo, Chadwick, Bec, Matthieu, Trancho, Gelys, McGregor, Peter, Young, Peter J, Colazo, Felipe, Edwards, Michelle L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptive systems
Astronomy
Commissioning
Conjugates
Constellations
Deformable mirrors
Deformation
Field of view
Formability
Image quality
Infrared imagery
Laser guide stars
Multi-conjugate adaptive optics
Neptune
Sodium layer
Upgrading
Uranus
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Summary:The Gemini Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics System - GeMS, a facility instrument mounted on the Gemini South telescope, delivers a uniform, near diffraction limited images at near infrared wavelengths (0.95 microns- 2.5 microns) over a field of view of 120 arc seconds. GeMS is the first sodium layer based multi laser guide star adaptive optics system used in astronomy. It uses five laser guide stars distributed on a 60 arc seconds square constellation to measure for atmospheric distortions and two deformable mirrors to compensate for it. In this paper, the second devoted to describe the GeMS project, we present the commissioning, overall performance and operational scheme of GeMS. Performance of each sub-system is derived from the commissioning results. The typical image quality, expressed in full with half maximum, Strehl ratios and variations over the field delivered by the system are then described. A discussion of the main contributor to performance limitation is carried-out. Finally, overheads and future system upgrades are described.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.1402.6906