Adaptive Optics for ELTs

Adaptive Optics Road Map

Adaptive Optics for ELTsAdaptive Optics for ELTs

Strategic Investment for the Strategic Investment for the FutureFuture

Stephen Strom, NOAOClaire Max, CfAO

Jerry Nelson, CfAOMatt Mountain, Gemini


Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline• Why we are hereWhy we are here• Key messagesKey messages• Current status of AOCurrent status of AO• Recent AO results; new frontiers in AORecent AO results; new frontiers in AO• AO is AO is essential essential for ELTs for ELTs• The scientific promise of AO systems on ELTsThe scientific promise of AO systems on ELTs• Current investments and world competitionCurrent investments and world competition• The need for coordinated investment using a The need for coordinated investment using a

roadmaproadmap

– A proof of concept: laser developmentA proof of concept: laser development• A national roadmap for AO technology A national roadmap for AO technology

developmentdevelopment• Approximate schedule and fundingApproximate schedule and funding• Recommendations for Implementing a RoadmapRecommendations for Implementing a Roadmap


Why we are hereWhy we are here

• Provide updates on recent AO Provide updates on recent AO

developmentsdevelopments

• Seek endorsement of CAA for:Seek endorsement of CAA for:– NSF strategic investments in AO for ELTs using NSF strategic investments in AO for ELTs using

a community-developed “AO roadmap” as a a community-developed “AO roadmap” as a

guideguide

– A recommended process for planning and A recommended process for planning and

coordinating investments in adaptive opticscoordinating investments in adaptive optics

• Context:Context:– Builds on a key decadal survey recommendation: Builds on a key decadal survey recommendation:

implement a major AO program to enable ELTsimplement a major AO program to enable ELTs

– Provides key components; systems in time for Provides key components; systems in time for

ELTsELTs


Key MessagesKey Messages

• AO is now delivering quantitative science resultsAO is now delivering quantitative science results• Capable and robust AO systems are critical to Capable and robust AO systems are critical to

enabling and fully exploiting investments in ELTsenabling and fully exploiting investments in ELTs• Critical ELT systems and components are well Critical ELT systems and components are well

beyond the state-of-the-artbeyond the state-of-the-art• Large and sustained investment is needed to Large and sustained investment is needed to

ensure AO readiness for ELTs by early in the next ensure AO readiness for ELTs by early in the next decadedecade

• Investments must be guided by a strategic planInvestments must be guided by a strategic plan– AO community has developed a consensus roadmapAO community has developed a consensus roadmap

• NSF funding for AO could serve as early federal NSF funding for AO could serve as early federal investment in a public-private GSMTinvestment in a public-private GSMT– aligned with AASC recommendation aligned with AASC recommendation re re GSMTGSMT


AO Workshop:AO Workshop: Participants + Consensus Participants + Consensus

NameName AffiliationAffiliation

Roger AngelRoger Angel University of ArizonaUniversity of ArizonaTodd BorosonTodd Boroson National Optical Astronomy Observatory National Optical Astronomy ObservatoryJim BreckinridgeJim Breckinridge National Science Foundation National Science FoundationRich DekanyRich Dekany Jet Propulsion LaboratoryJet Propulsion LaboratoryMark EaleyMark Ealey Xinetics CorporationXinetics CorporationBrent EllerbroekBrent Ellerbroek Gemini Observatory Gemini ObservatoryBob FugateBob Fugate United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceEd KibblewhiteEd Kibblewhite University of Chicago University of ChicagoClaire MaxClaire Max Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryLawrence Livermore National LaboratoryJerry NelsonJerry Nelson University of California, Santa CruzUniversity of California, Santa CruzScot OlivierScot Olivier Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryLawrence Livermore National LaboratoryAndreas QuirrenbachAndreas Quirrenbach University of California, San DiegoUniversity of California, San DiegoThomas RimmeleThomas Rimmele National Solar ObservatoryNational Solar ObservatoryMike ShaoMike Shao Jet Propulsion LaboratoryJet Propulsion LaboratorySteve StromSteve Strom National Optical Astronomy ObservatoryNational Optical Astronomy ObservatoryLaird ThompsonLaird Thompson University of Illinois University of IllinoisAllan WirthAllan Wirth Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc.Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc.Peter WizinowichPeter Wizinowich W. H. Keck Observatory W. H. Keck Observatory

Support Coordinated Strategic Investments:Implement a Roadmap Process


Key Messages Key Messages

• Investing in AO and following a roadmap will:Investing in AO and following a roadmap will:

– Create Create much needed sustained investment much needed sustained investment

in key AO components and systemsin key AO components and systems

– Enable Enable ELTs to operate successfullyELTs to operate successfully

– AchieveAchieve full benefits of ELT investments full benefits of ELT investments

– Enhance Enhance performance of existing telescopesperformance of existing telescopes


AO: Current StatusAO: Current Status

• AO systems to date demonstrate its potential to:AO systems to date demonstrate its potential to:

– deliver high fidelity, diffraction-limited imagesdeliver high fidelity, diffraction-limited images

– enable large gains in sensitivity enable large gains in sensitivity

– improve photometric accuracy in crowded fieldsimprove photometric accuracy in crowded fields

– reduce the size of instrumentsreduce the size of instruments

• Science enabled by AO is impressiveScience enabled by AO is impressive

– Measuring proper motions in the Galactic CenterMeasuring proper motions in the Galactic Center

– Imaging accretion disks; precessing jets in YSOsImaging accretion disks; precessing jets in YSOs

– Resolving dense galactic and globular clustersResolving dense galactic and globular clusters

– Measuring stellar fluxes; colors in nearby Measuring stellar fluxes; colors in nearby galaxiesgalaxies

– Imaging planets and their satellites at high Imaging planets and their satellites at high resolutionresolution


AO: Current Status

However………However………• Only a small percentage of the sky is accessible Only a small percentage of the sky is accessible

to current AO systems: laser guide stars neededto current AO systems: laser guide stars needed

• Laser systems are still Laser systems are still veryvery expensive, based on expensive, based on

immature technology, and not robustimmature technology, and not robust

• Detectors and DMs still limit performanceDetectors and DMs still limit performance

• Wavefront sensing approaches not yet optimizedWavefront sensing approaches not yet optimized

• Data reduction techniques still under Data reduction techniques still under

development development

• AO correction still limited to small FOVsAO correction still limited to small FOVs

But there has been substantial progress


Recent Results: Quantitative Photometry

• AO performance can be well modeled– Predictions of image quality from models of atmospheric turbulence + optics confirmed

• AO PSF fitting tools work well• Photometric errors in crowded fields ~2%

– NICMOS vs AO photometry compares well


Galactic Center Region – 40”x40” compositeAO corrected H & K



Recent Results: Black Hole at the Center of the

Milky Way:Narrow-Field AO

1”

No AO AO-on


Recent Results:Recent Results:The Black Hole at the Center of The Black Hole at the Center of

the Milky Way: Narrow Field the Milky Way: Narrow Field AOAO

Multiple observations enable proper motion measurements.

Symbol size ~

Velocity dispersion vs radius yields black-hole mass


2 merging disk galaxies

Recent Results:Recent Results:Dual Black Holes at the Core of NGC Dual Black Holes at the Core of NGC

62406240

WFPC2


Recent Results:Recent Results:Dual Black Holes at the Core of NGC Dual Black Holes at the Core of NGC

62406240

Chandrahigh energy xrays

Keck AOK band

NICMOSJ-H-K


The Next Frontier: Wide Field The Next Frontier: Wide Field Imaging with Adaptive Optics Using Imaging with Adaptive Optics Using

MCAOMCAO

Ragazzoni et al, 2000:Ragazzoni et al, 2000:

• Collected optical data on a Collected optical data on a constellation of 4 starsconstellation of 4 stars

• Used outer 3 stars to Used outer 3 stars to predict phase errors for predict phase errors for the central starthe central star

• Atmospheric phase error Atmospheric phase error estimates superior to estimates superior to classical AOclassical AO– MCAO will work!MCAO will work!


Multiconjugate AO

Primary mirrors

One laser guide star

Unsampled turbulence

Multiple laser guide stars

Deformable mirrors conjugate to each

turbulent layer, for larger field of view


MCAO Can Provide Major Gains in MCAO Can Provide Major Gains in FOVFOV

• Predicted performance of MCAO vs CAO:Predicted performance of MCAO vs CAO:

– Field of view area gain: J: 20-80 x, K: 10-Field of view area gain: J: 20-80 x, K: 10-

20 x, depending on conditions20 x, depending on conditions

– Photometric performance: accuracy Photometric performance: accuracy

proportional to Strehl variations over the proportional to Strehl variations over the

fieldfield

– MCAO should deliver 0.5% accuracy over MCAO should deliver 0.5% accuracy over

1-2’ FOV, or more than 10x CAO1-2’ FOV, or more than 10x CAO

Enabling MCAO will require major Enabling MCAO will require major

investmentsinvestments

600 50

10

20

30

40[arcsec]

MCAO

AO1/2 FoV

1/2 FoV

40”20” 40” a


AO is Essential for ELTsAO is Essential for ELTs

• AO (at least low order) may be required to AO (at least low order) may be required to compensate for the effects of wind-buffetingcompensate for the effects of wind-buffeting

• Capable AO systems are essential for reaping full Capable AO systems are essential for reaping full value from investments in ELTsvalue from investments in ELTs– Gains in point source sensitivity ~ DGains in point source sensitivity ~ D44 for diffraction- for diffraction-

limited resolution in background-dominated imageslimited resolution in background-dominated images

– Cost of an ELT ~ DCost of an ELT ~ D2 2

– Benefit/cost ratio ~ DBenefit/cost ratio ~ D2 2 if AO can deliver high Strehl if AO can deliver high Strehl images, ultimately over substantial fields of view images, ultimately over substantial fields of view (MCAO)(MCAO)

• Instrument size is prohibitively large absent AOInstrument size is prohibitively large absent AO• Science benefits are dramatic. For example:Science benefits are dramatic. For example:

– Finding and characterizing planetsFinding and characterizing planets

– Characterizing component stellar pops in galaxiesCharacterizing component stellar pops in galaxies

– Determining properties of forming galaxiesDetermining properties of forming galaxies


ELT AO Science: Stellar Populations

GSMT with MCAO

20”

M 32 (Gemini/Hokupaa)NGST


ELT AO Science : Galaxy Evolution

Courtesy of M. Bolte


Current Investments in AO for ELTsCurrent Investments in AO for ELTs

• CfAO + NIO + Gemini (US share) + CELT + CAAO + CfAO + NIO + Gemini (US share) + CELT + CAAO + UCSC-LAO: ~ $6M/yrUCSC-LAO: ~ $6M/yr

• Key activities for existing groups:Key activities for existing groups:– CfAO: design studies; simulations; modest Na laser CfAO: design studies; simulations; modest Na laser

developmentdevelopment– NIO: site characteristics; system studies; simulationsNIO: site characteristics; system studies; simulations– Gemini: MCAO science demonstrator, algorithms, Na Gemini: MCAO science demonstrator, algorithms, Na

Laser developmentLaser development– CELT: site characteristics; system studies; simulationsCELT: site characteristics; system studies; simulations– CAAO: deformable secondaries; Rayleigh laser beaconsCAAO: deformable secondaries; Rayleigh laser beacons– LAO: testing of subscale prototypes & AO componentsLAO: testing of subscale prototypes & AO components

• Bottom line: Bottom line: – These investments (private; state; federal; These investments (private; state; federal;

international) provide support for international) provide support for first stepsfirst steps toward toward ELT-capable AOELT-capable AO

– Key component developments need significant supportKey component developments need significant support


Current Investments: EuropeCurrent Investments: Europe• ESO –VLT will field first MCAO demonstratorESO –VLT will field first MCAO demonstrator

late 2003 (already through CDR)late 2003 (already through CDR)• In 2004 VLT MCAO program will explore In 2004 VLT MCAO program will explore

alternative approaches, e.g.alternative approaches, e.g.– layer-oriented vs. tomographic techniqueslayer-oriented vs. tomographic techniques

• European network (OPTICON) established to European network (OPTICON) established to coordinate and enhance European institutions AO coordinate and enhance European institutions AO modeling and simulation capabilitiesmodeling and simulation capabilities– funding post-docs at between 10-15 FTE’s/year funding post-docs at between 10-15 FTE’s/year

• ESO now funding at least two parallel Na laser ESO now funding at least two parallel Na laser technology studies (e.g. fiber lasers)technology studies (e.g. fiber lasers)

• 100m OWL is a 100m OWL is a highly effectivehighly effective coordinating force coordinating force behind European AO effortsbehind European AO efforts

Our European colleagues are moving ahead Our European colleagues are moving ahead aggressivelyaggressively


The need for NSF-supported The need for NSF-supported Strategic Investment in AO for Strategic Investment in AO for

ELTsELTs

• Providing AO systems for ELTs will require a sustained, Providing AO systems for ELTs will require a sustained,

coordinated effortcoordinated effort

• Low order adaptive secondariesLow order adaptive secondaries

• High performance, narrow-field AOHigh performance, narrow-field AO

• High Strehl, wide-field AO (via MCAO)High Strehl, wide-field AO (via MCAO)

• Funding & timescales must be matched to the challengesFunding & timescales must be matched to the challenges

• A successful example of a coordinated, strategic A successful example of a coordinated, strategic approach is already in hand: development of Na laser approach is already in hand: development of Na laser guide starsguide stars


ALFA AO System (Calar Alto): Na laser produced images with S ~ 0.2, within a factor of 2 of prediction

And now Lick is producing S ~ 0.7, with the potential of (nearly) all-sky imaging

The Potential of Na Laser Guide StarsThe Potential of Na Laser Guide Stars

AO off

LGS AO


Today’s Na lasers are not yet Today’s Na lasers are not yet robustrobust

Lincoln Labs Solid State LaserKeck dye laser


New laser approaches are New laser approaches are promising but not yet maturepromising but not yet mature

• Solid-state sum-frequency lasers– Air Force system– Gemini laser project

• Fiber lasers– ESO Raman laser – LLNL-ESO-CfAO sum-frequency laser


Meeting the Challenge: Defining Meeting the Challenge: Defining a long-term laser development a long-term laser development programprogram

• The AO roadmap effort highlighted the lack of a robust The AO roadmap effort highlighted the lack of a robust

Na laser technology as critical to further AO Na laser technology as critical to further AO

development development

• However, the non-recurring costs of developing viable, However, the non-recurring costs of developing viable,

lasers for Gemini, Keck and others was beyond the lasers for Gemini, Keck and others was beyond the

resources of any of the major adaptive optics programsresources of any of the major adaptive optics programs

• A focused, community-wide effort (Gemini, CfAO, Keck, A focused, community-wide effort (Gemini, CfAO, Keck,

USAF) was needed to develop “turn-key” USAF) was needed to develop “turn-key” affordableaffordable Na Na

lasers for lasers for allall ground-based telescopes ground-based telescopes


First Test of a Roadmap First Test of a Roadmap ApproachApproach

• Gemini+CfAO+Keck+USAF (SOR) identified common system Gemini+CfAO+Keck+USAF (SOR) identified common system and component requirements and component requirements

• AURA, NSF and USAF worked together to identify funding to AURA, NSF and USAF worked together to identify funding to support a laser commercialization effortsupport a laser commercialization effort

– used LIGO approach as a modelused LIGO approach as a model

– goal is to enable a committed private sector company to goal is to enable a committed private sector company to develop a product linedevelop a product line

• Results to date:Results to date:

– $5.2M already raised (further $4.3M requested from NSF)$5.2M already raised (further $4.3M requested from NSF)

– Contract almost in place for first “commercial” 10W Na Contract almost in place for first “commercial” 10W Na LaserLaser

• first step toward a fully-engineered, robust laserfirst step toward a fully-engineered, robust laser

• additional funding may be needed to develop a product additional funding may be needed to develop a product lineline

– First successful tests at SOR of “diode” 10W prototype for First successful tests at SOR of “diode” 10W prototype for engineering 50W demonstrator engineering 50W demonstrator


What New Investments are What New Investments are Needed?Needed?

• ELT studies identify as critical needs:ELT studies identify as critical needs:

– Deformable mirrorsDeformable mirrors: : thousands of actuators, large stroke; thousands of actuators, large stroke;

sizes ranging from 20-200 cmsizes ranging from 20-200 cm

– Lasers (started but not completed):Lasers (started but not completed): ~ 20- ~ 20-50W Na lasers 50W Na lasers

(fully engineered to be robust and reliable)(fully engineered to be robust and reliable)

• 5-10 needed for ELTs; other systems5-10 needed for ELTs; other systems

– CCDs: CCDs: large format, fast readout, low noise for wavefront large format, fast readout, low noise for wavefront

sensing (512x512; ~kHz readout rates; 2esensing (512x512; ~kHz readout rates; 2e- - read noise)read noise)

– IR detectors: IR detectors: fast readout, low-noise for tip-tilt & focus fast readout, low-noise for tip-tilt & focus

sensorssensors

• The requirements for each component well exceed the The requirements for each component well exceed the

current state-of-the artcurrent state-of-the art

• Costs to develop needed components far exceed Costs to develop needed components far exceed

current investment levelscurrent investment levels

Sustained investment over 5-10 years is critical


Implementing an AO RoadmapImplementing an AO Roadmap

• Build on June 2000 AO Roadmap reportBuild on June 2000 AO Roadmap report

– consensus of CfAO + AURA-NIO workshopconsensus of CfAO + AURA-NIO workshop

• broadly-based, fully representative group broadly-based, fully representative group

– collaborative Na Laser program the first collaborative Na Laser program the first

experimentexperiment

• Take into account the rapidly accelerating Take into account the rapidly accelerating

international efforts to develop AO systemsinternational efforts to develop AO systems

– Most cited AO science papers come from CFHT Most cited AO science papers come from CFHT

and ESO and ESO not from US telescopes not from US telescopes (Crabtree 2002)(Crabtree 2002)

– SPIE 2002 meeting provided clear evidence of SPIE 2002 meeting provided clear evidence of

impressive investment by the international impressive investment by the international

communitycommunity

– Our colleagues in Europe are now developing Our colleagues in Europe are now developing

highly capable systems for use with the VLThighly capable systems for use with the VLT

• Both MCAO and “Extreme AO” systemsBoth MCAO and “Extreme AO” systems


Part IIPart II

• Outline of national roadmap for ELT AO technology development• Key technologies, impacts• Schedule with milestones

• Approximate funding level required• Recommendations for proposed

roadmap process• Desired outcomes of this discussion


Key Technologies: Laser guide Key Technologies: Laser guide starsstars

• Proposed Investment:Proposed Investment:

– NaNa:: develop fully-engineered, robust and develop fully-engineered, robust and

affordable lasers affordable lasers

– Rayleigh beaconsRayleigh beacons:: study and support study and support

integration into one or more demonstration integration into one or more demonstration

systems relevant to ELTssystems relevant to ELTs

• Expected Return:Expected Return:

– Wider-field correction through use of MCAO on Wider-field correction through use of MCAO on

ELTsELTs

– Availability for multiple applications on Availability for multiple applications on

existing telescopes (full sky coverage)existing telescopes (full sky coverage)

– Extending AO corrections to shorter Extending AO corrections to shorter

wavelengths (e.g. visible light on existing wavelengths (e.g. visible light on existing

telescopes)telescopes)


Schedule of Key Activities: LasersSchedule of Key Activities: Lasers

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Rayleigh laser developmentRayleigh laser development• Study ELT conceptsStudy ELT concepts• Integrate into ELT plans Integrate into ELT plans if initial results are if initial results are favorable (Arizona; favorable (Arizona; Durham)Durham)

CommercializationCommercialization• Fund Fund commercialization of commercialization of several promising several promising approaches (LIGO laser approaches (LIGO laser as a model) as a model)• Goal: to create Goal: to create competition competition of at least of at least twotwo committed private committed private sector companies to sector companies to develop product linesdevelop product lines

Na laser developmentNa laser development• Fund NSF’s share Fund NSF’s share of current of current collaboration with Air collaboration with Air Force, GeminiForce, Gemini• Fully engineered Fully engineered ~50 W solid-state ~50 W solid-state lasers (already lasers (already underway)underway)• Advanced concepts Advanced concepts (e.g. fiber lasers)(e.g. fiber lasers)


Key Technologies: Deformable MirrorsKey Technologies: Deformable Mirrors

• Proposed Investment:Proposed Investment:– Prototype and test wavefront correction Prototype and test wavefront correction

elements with thousands of degrees of elements with thousands of degrees of freedom; high strokefreedom; high stroke• MEMsMEMs• Adaptive secondariesAdaptive secondaries• Thin face sheet DMs: extrapolate Thin face sheet DMs: extrapolate

current technology to more actuators; current technology to more actuators; lower costlower cost

• Expected Return:Expected Return:– Enable ELTs that deliver full AO potentialEnable ELTs that deliver full AO potential– Lower cost/degree of freedom for existing Lower cost/degree of freedom for existing

telescopestelescopes– Provide higher Strehl at shorter Provide higher Strehl at shorter

wavelengthswavelengths


Schedule of Key Activities: Schedule of Key Activities: Deformable mirrorsDeformable mirrors

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

RequirementsRequirements

Subscale prototypesSubscale prototypes

• Construct, compare on modest scaleConstruct, compare on modest scale

Full scale prototypesFull scale prototypes

• Construct and test ELT-scale Construct and test ELT-scale

prototypes of most promising prototypes of most promising

technologiestechnologies

Two deformable mirrors with 1000 Two deformable mirrors with 1000 actuatorsactuators

Xinetics, ~12” clear aperture

MEMS~ 1 cm


Key Technologies: Wavefront Sensing-Key Technologies: Wavefront Sensing-11


– Faster, lower noise detectorsFaster, lower noise detectors• Visible light: CCDs for wavefront sensing Visible light: CCDs for wavefront sensing

(need more pixels)(need more pixels)

• IR: arrays for tip-tilt, focus, ... sensingIR: arrays for tip-tilt, focus, ... sensing


– Enables Enables wavefront sensing for ELTswavefront sensing for ELTs

– Provides greater sky coverage for existing Provides greater sky coverage for existing

telescopestelescopes• Enable use of fainter natural guide stars, Enable use of fainter natural guide stars,

less powerful lasersless powerful lasers


Key Technologies: Wavefront Sensing-Key Technologies: Wavefront Sensing-22

• Proposed Investment:Proposed Investment:– Develop alternative wavefront sensing Develop alternative wavefront sensing

techniques (today all AO systems use techniques (today all AO systems use either Shack-Hartmann or curvature)either Shack-Hartmann or curvature)• Direct phase measurementsDirect phase measurements• Pyramid sensingPyramid sensing

– Compare performance, optimize for Compare performance, optimize for different astronomical AO goalsdifferent astronomical AO goals

• Expected Return:Expected Return:– Use available photons more efficiently Use available photons more efficiently

for specific applicationsfor specific applications


Schedule of Key Activities: DetectorsSchedule of Key Activities: Detectors

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

RequirementsRequirements

Foundary runsFoundary runs

• Evaluate performanceEvaluate performance• Coordinate with DoDCoordinate with DoD

Select most Select most promising promising technologytechnology

Full scale prototypesFull scale prototypes• Production runs for 512Production runs for 5122 2 detectors detectors (visible) and very low-noise IR arrays(visible) and very low-noise IR arrays


Schedule of Key Activities: Wavefront Schedule of Key Activities: Wavefront sensing conceptssensing concepts

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Analysis and simulationAnalysis and simulation

Test concepts in labTest concepts in lab

• Compare for differing applicationsCompare for differing applications

• What are fundamental performance What are fundamental performance limits of Shack-Hartmann, pyramid limits of Shack-Hartmann, pyramid sensing, direct phase measurementsensing, direct phase measurement

Optimize for specific applicationsOptimize for specific applications


Key Technologies: End-to-end Key Technologies: End-to-end Comparison of Competing Systems Comparison of Competing Systems

ConceptsConcepts


– Evaluate and compare competing systems approachesEvaluate and compare competing systems approaches

• e.g., end-to-end comparison of layer-oriented vs e.g., end-to-end comparison of layer-oriented vs

tomographic approaches for 30m telescopestomographic approaches for 30m telescopes

• benefits of multi-conjugate AO vs ground-layer benefits of multi-conjugate AO vs ground-layer

compensation for selected science programscompensation for selected science programs


– Choice of optimum architecture for ELTsChoice of optimum architecture for ELTs

– Improved performance on existing telescopesImproved performance on existing telescopes

Realizing the full capabilities of a diffraction limited 30 m Realizing the full capabilities of a diffraction limited 30 m telescope is a technological challenge. But it is telescope is a technological challenge. But it is

achievable with sustained investment.achievable with sustained investment.


Schedule of Key Activities: ELT AO Schedule of Key Activities: ELT AO conceptsconcepts

Analysis and simulationAnalysis and simulation• End-to-end simulations of End-to-end simulations of competing approaches competing approaches

• Tomographic vs. layer-orientedTomographic vs. layer-oriented

• Ground-layer AO vs. MCAOGround-layer AO vs. MCAO

Test and compare conceptsTest and compare concepts

• Lab: full-up systems (degrees of freedom) but Lab: full-up systems (degrees of freedom) but subscale dimensions, timescalessubscale dimensions, timescales

• On existing telescopes: fewer degrees of freedom, but On existing telescopes: fewer degrees of freedom, but larger dimensions, real atmospherelarger dimensions, real atmosphere

03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10


Outcomes: At least two types of AO Outcomes: At least two types of AO Systems Systems

Examples:Examples:

• 2010-2012: 2010-2012: Fund construction of high performance, narrow-Fund construction of high performance, narrow-

field AO system for ELT applicationfield AO system for ELT application

• 2010-2014: 2010-2014: Fund construction of a capable MCAO system for Fund construction of a capable MCAO system for

ELT applicationELT application

• In both cases, these developments represent the culmination of In both cases, these developments represent the culmination of

the roadmap investments:the roadmap investments:

– Integration of challenging & complex components into enabling Integration of challenging & complex components into enabling

systems for ELTssystems for ELTs

Essential, identifiable NSF investment Essential, identifiable NSF investment in ELTs.in ELTs.

Will benefit AO for all existing Will benefit AO for all existing telescopes.telescopes.


Funding Estimates: Historical Funding Estimates: Historical BackgroundBackground

• Bahcall report recommended $40M for the 1990sBahcall report recommended $40M for the 1990s– Total public, private, international support Total public, private, international support

exceeded this exceeded this – Multiple approaches were fundedMultiple approaches were funded

• Appropriate to early R & D effortAppropriate to early R & D effort– Multiple successful approaches have now been Multiple successful approaches have now been

implemented on current telescopesimplemented on current telescopes

• Funding Funding was far less successfulwas far less successful in producing in producing robust systems or key new components robust systems or key new components – some installations had small user basesome installations had small user base– duplication of effortduplication of effort– little strategic coordination of investmentslittle strategic coordination of investments

• For ELTs we need a better coordinated strategy to For ELTs we need a better coordinated strategy to enhance the efficacy of investments, assure that enhance the efficacy of investments, assure that ELT technology requirements can be metELT technology requirements can be met


Funding Estimates: Next DecadeFunding Estimates: Next Decade

• Supporting enabling technology for ELTs will Supporting enabling technology for ELTs will require investing at least $50M (AASC decadal require investing at least $50M (AASC decadal report)report)

• Integrating these components into capable 30m Integrating these components into capable 30m ELT AO systems will cost between $75M and ELT AO systems will cost between $75M and $150M$150M– NIO and CELT design studiesNIO and CELT design studies

• Numbers indicate the scale of needed investmentNumbers indicate the scale of needed investment– More detailed estimates will be developed in More detailed estimates will be developed in

the next phase of the roadmap processthe next phase of the roadmap process

US investment must approach $10 M / yrRequires increase over current levels of ~ $5 M / yr


A Community-based Roadmap ProcessA Community-based Roadmap Process

• Community involvement; consensus is crucialCommunity involvement; consensus is crucial• NOAO represents logical focus for engaging the NOAO represents logical focus for engaging the

community and developing needed consensuscommunity and developing needed consensus• In analogy with the TSIP program, NOAO would In analogy with the TSIP program, NOAO would

convene periodic meetings of a broad-based AO convene periodic meetings of a broad-based AO steering group in order to:steering group in order to:– seek community feedback on the roadmapseek community feedback on the roadmap

– work with NSF to set up process to evaluate proposalswork with NSF to set up process to evaluate proposals

– evaluate achieved progress against roadmap goalsevaluate achieved progress against roadmap goals

• As with TSIP, funding could flow through NOAOAs with TSIP, funding could flow through NOAO– NOAO would not compete for AO fundsNOAO would not compete for AO funds



• An AO steering group wouldAn AO steering group would– Review advances in AO; supporting technologiesReview advances in AO; supporting technologies

– Review the overall pattern of federal investmentReview the overall pattern of federal investment

– Assess the need for roadmap changes, and modify Assess the need for roadmap changes, and modify roadmap as neededroadmap as needed

– Recommend to NSF, and outline ‘announcements Recommend to NSF, and outline ‘announcements of opportunity’ to encourage proposals in key of opportunity’ to encourage proposals in key areasareas

• Steering group meetings timed to influence Steering group meetings timed to influence NSF budget priorities; announcements of NSF budget priorities; announcements of opportunityopportunity

• This process is analogous to that used by the This process is analogous to that used by the nuclear science community through NSACnuclear science community through NSAC



• In parallel, the NSF wouldIn parallel, the NSF would– Actively seek proposals aligned with the roadmapActively seek proposals aligned with the roadmap– Focus funding on strategically important areasFocus funding on strategically important areas– Review proposals using a broadly-based panelReview proposals using a broadly-based panel

• Astronomers; government lab scientists; Astronomers; government lab scientists; industrial engineers and scientistsindustrial engineers and scientists

• Panelists would have AO & systems Panelists would have AO & systems experienceexperience

– Provide sustained, long-term fundingProvide sustained, long-term funding• Complex component and technology Complex component and technology

development require sustained investments development require sustained investments for > 5 yearsfor > 5 years

• TSIP provides a model for planning and fundingTSIP provides a model for planning and funding• AO funds for ELTs should be held in a ‘separate pot’AO funds for ELTs should be held in a ‘separate pot’

– Implementation of AO systems on current Implementation of AO systems on current telescopes would come from other programs, not telescopes would come from other programs, not AO-ELT fundsAO-ELT funds


Desired Outcomes of this Desired Outcomes of this DiscussionDiscussion

• CAA support and recommendation for:CAA support and recommendation for:

– Focused and sustained investment in AO for Focused and sustained investment in AO for

ELTsELTs

• additional ~ $5M / yr of new funding is additional ~ $5M / yr of new funding is

neededneeded

– A roadmap-based process to guide such A roadmap-based process to guide such

investmentinvestment as described above.as described above.

Success of AO on 30-m telescopes will require Success of AO on 30-m telescopes will require sustained investment for a decade.sustained investment for a decade.

The time to start is now.The time to start is now.

Adaptive Optics for ELTs

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