Ground layer AO correction for the VLT MUSE project

We describe the conceptual design of a multi-LGS based Ground Layer Adaptive Optics system feeding a visible Integral Field Spectrograph. We show that this system will be able to provide a factor two improvement in 0.2 ensquared energy. A Narrow FOV mode, delivering diffraction limited images at visible wavelengths, will be achievable by reconfiguring the four Laser Guide Stars such as to overcome the dramatic cone effect limitation at these wavelengths with single LGS. Two concepts are proposed, with and without an adaptive secondary.

[1]  Robin Arsenault,et al.  Towards an Adaptive Secondary for the VLT , 2004 .

[2]  Norbert Hubin.  Adaptive optics status and roadmap at ESO , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[3]  Roland Bacon,et al.  MUSE: a second-generation integral-field spectrograph for the VLT , 2003, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[4]  Roberto Biasi,et al.  LBT adaptive secondary units construction: a progress report , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[5]  Remko Stuik,et al.  Generalized sky coverage for adaptive optics and interferometry , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[6]  Armando Riccardi,et al.  MMT adaptive secondary: first AO closed-loop results , 2003, SPIE Optics + Photonics.

[7]  Roland Bacon,et al.  The second-generation VLT instrument MUSE: science drivers and instrument design , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[8]  Norbert N. Hubin,et al.  Adaptive optics for second-generation VLT instruments , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[9]  N. Hubin,et al.  Wide-field adaptive optics for deep-field spectroscopy in the visible , 2004 .

[10]  Norbert Hubin,et al.  The ESO adaptive optics real-time computer platform: a step toward the future , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.

[11]  Armando Riccardi,et al.  The adaptive secondary mirrors for the Large Binocular Telescope: a progress report , 2004, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation.