Measurement of focus and off-axis anisoplanatism using a sodium resonance beacon and binary stars

Michael Lloyd-Hart, Bruce P. Jacobsen, J. Roger P. Angel, Richard G. Dekany, Barbara Carter, Walter J. Wild, Edward J. Kibblewhite, James W. Beletic

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have obtained the first measurements with a sodium laser beacon of focus anisoplanatism over large aperture, at the Multiple Mirror Telescope. In complementary studies, the atmospheric turbulence at the high altitude and on the large scale responsible for the measured focus anisoplanatism was explored by observations of binary stars of different separations. We confirm the predictions of Kolmogorov theory, and derive an effective height for the turbulence of 5050 m above the telescope. These results confirm that the sodium laser guide star planned for use with the 6.5 m telescope conversion of the MMT in 1996 will allow diffraction limited infrared observations in the H and K bands.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
EditorsMark A. Ealey, Fritz Merkle
Pages284-294
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 1994
EventAdaptive Optics in Astronomy - Kailua, HI, USA
Duration: Mar 17 1994Mar 18 1994

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume2201

Other

OtherAdaptive Optics in Astronomy
CityKailua, HI, USA
Period3/17/943/18/94

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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