Astronomical adaptive optics system for use on a 4-m-class telescope at optical wavelengths

An astronomical AO system for use on a 4 m class telescope at visible wavelengths is described. The design of this instrument is based on the University of Durham semi common-user partial-AO system MARTINI. A brief technical resume and recent astronomical results are provided. The MARTINI system was designed on a partial, but non-modal, philosophy which is able to deliver modest image improvements normally associated with low order corrections at small D/ro. The new system will remove the limited aperture coverage of the MARTINI system and extend its operating philosophy to produce a corrected optical transfer function optimized to scientific goals. The requirements and resulting system design are described. The system is also designed to be accommodated within the general scheme of the UK national AO program which was initiated in 1993. A brief discussion of the design issues involved is provided.