Characterization and Upgrading of Adaptive Optics Demonstrator Joseph

Characterization and Upgrading of Adaptive Optics Demonstrator Joseph Curamen Maui Community College Mark Hoffman & Mark Ammons MCC & UCSC-Cf. AO

Adaptive Optics in General n Compensate the atmospheric aberrations n Reduce the blurring of an image n Correct the aberration in real time manner

AO Works! No AO with AO

What is Adaptive Optics Demonstrator? n First build by graduate student Mark Ammons of UCSC n Personally help to build and test the system n Small version of AO system compare to big observatory n Consists of mirrors, cameras, monitors, PC, filters, mounts, and laser module,

Adaptive Optics Demonstrator § Layout diagram of Adaptive Optics Demonstrator

Objectives of AO Demonstrator To encourage students to be involve in science, engineering, and technology field n To learn the basic idea of Adaptive Optics system n To show the basic functions of the AO system n To train students using AO demonstrator n To use in Akamai Short Course for demonstration n

Adaptive Optics System Comparison § Subaru Telescope’s Adaptive Optics § MCC’s Adaptive Optics Demonstrator http: //www. naoj. org/Introduction/instrument/AO. html

Goal for AO Demonstrator n To expand the AO system n To characterize the deformable mirror n To add a negative lens to focus in (charge coupled device)CCD array n To use the Michelson Interferometer

Deformable Mirror n n n 37 actuators Silicon Nitride (1µm) 16 mm membrane’s dia. 12 mm usable mirror Aluminum housing (2 in. )

Position of Actuators § Actuator numbering § Actuator’s view on PCB

Characterizing the Deformable Mirror n Measure the mirror’s flatness n Measure the stroke n Measure the strehl ratio

Mirror’s Flatness n Orientation of mirror relative to applied voltage n Correct orientation on its applied voltage n Reduce the system’s vibration n Needs of specific software and hardware

Mirror’s Stroke n Voltage regulator n Positive and negative voltage n Measuring instrument in µm range n Needs of specific software and hardware

But How? n Instruments/equipments availability n Allowable time n Seek more of professional help n Funds for materials

My Future! n Work for awhile in Subaru Telescope as Telescope Technician n Transfer to 4 yr. University n B. S. Electrical Engineering n Have a happy family!

References Newport Corporation n Agil. Optics (Intellite) n Claire Max’s website n Coherent n Melles Griot Optics Guide n

Acknowledgements Mark Hoffman, Project Supervisor & ECET Instructor & Coordinator, MCC Mark Ammons, Graduate Student, University of California at Santa Cruz Lisa Hunter, Human Resource Director, Center for Adaptive Optics Malika Moutawakkil, Education Coordinator, Center for Adaptive Optics Wallette Pellegrino, Associate Professor & Co-op Coordinator, Maui Community College Leslie Wilkins, Vice President and Director, Maui Economic Development Board Isla Yap, Program Assistant, Maui Economic Development Board n National Science Foundation, Center for Adaptive Optics, Maui Community College, and Maui Economic Development Board, n This project is supported by a Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) supplement to the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Adaptive Optics , managed by the University of California at Santa Cruz under a cooperative agreement No. AST-9876783.