CHARA array adaptive optics: Complex operational software and performance

Narsireddy Anugu*, Theo Ten Brummelaar, Nils H. Turner, Matthew D. Anderson, Jean Baptiste Le Bouquin, Judit Sturmann, Laszlo Sturmann, Chris Farrington, Norm Vargas, Olli Majoinen, Michael J. Ireland, John D. Monnier, Denis Mourard, Gail Schaefer, Douglas R. Gies, Stephen T. Ridgway, Stefan Kraus, Cyril Petit, Michel Tallon, Caroline B. LimPhilippe Berio

*Corresponding author for this work

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

    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The CHARA Array is the longest baseline optical interferometer in the world. Operated with natural seeing, it has delivered landmark sub-milliarcsecond results in the areas of stellar imaging, binaries, and stellar diameters. However, to achieve ambitious observations of faint targets such as young stellar objects and active galactic nuclei, higher sensitivity is required. For that purpose, adaptive optics are developed to correct atmospheric turbulence and non-common path aberrations between each telescope and the beam combiner lab. This paper describes the AO software and its integration into the CHARA system. We also report initial on-sky tests that demonstrate an increase of scientific throughput by sensitivity gain and by extending useful observing time in worse seeing conditions. Our 6 telescopes and 12 AO systems with tens of critical alignments and control loops pose challenges in operation. We describe our methods enabling a single scientist to operate the entire system.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII
    EditorsPeter G. Tuthill, Antoine Merand, Stephanie Sallum
    PublisherSPIE
    ISBN (Electronic)9781510636798
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020
    EventOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII 2020 - Virtual, Online, United States
    Duration: 14 Dec 202022 Dec 2020

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
    Volume11446
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X
    ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

    Conference

    ConferenceOptical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VII 2020
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityVirtual, Online
    Period14/12/2022/12/20

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