ELT instrumentation for seeing-limited and AO-corrected observations: a comparison

Colin Cunningham; Chris Evans; Guy Monnet; Miska Le Louarn

doi:10.1117/12.801279

22 April 2008 ELT instrumentation for seeing-limited and AO-corrected observations: a comparison

Colin Cunningham, Chris Evans, Guy Monnet, Miska Le Louarn

Proceedings Volume 6986, Extremely Large Telescopes: Which Wavelengths? Retirement Symposium for Arne Ardeberg; 69860K (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.801279
Event: Extremely Large Telescopes: Which Wavelengths? Retirement Symposium for Arne Ardeberg, 2007, Lund, Sweden

Abstract

The next generation of large ground-based optical and infrared telescopes will provide new challenges for designers of astronomical instrumentation. The varied science cases for these extremely large telescopes (ELTs) require a large range of angular resolutions, from near diffraction-limited performance via correction of atmospheric turbulence using adaptive optics (AO), to seeing-limited observations. Moreover, the scientific output of the telescopes must also be optimized with the consideration that, with current technology, AO is relatively ineffective at visible wavelengths, and that atmospheric conditions will often preclude high-performance AO. This paper explores some of the issues that arise when designing ELT instrumentation that operates across a range of angular-resolutions and wavelengths. We show that instruments designed for seeing-limited or seeing-enhanced observations have particular challenges in terms of size and mass, while diffraction-limited instruments are not as straightforward as might be imagined.

Citation Download Citation

Colin Cunningham, Chris Evans, Guy Monnet, and Miska Le Louarn "ELT instrumentation for seeing-limited and AO-corrected observations: a comparison", Proc. SPIE 6986, Extremely Large Telescopes: Which Wavelengths? Retirement Symposium for Arne Ardeberg, 69860K (22 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.801279

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