Laboratory adaptive optics system for testing the wavefront sensor for the new MMT

A laboratory adaptive optics system has been built for testing the wave front sensor hardware and software for the new Multiple Mirror Telescope adaptive optics system. The system will also allow different wave front reconstruction and prediction schemes to be examined. The laboratory system contains a silicon micromachined adaptive mirror with 37 electro-static actuators as well as a novel approach for generating atmospheric turbulence. The design and initial testing of the system are presented.

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