Open AccessModelling astronomical adaptive optics – I. The software package caos
Author(s) -
Carbillet M.,
Vérinaud C.,
Femenía B.,
Riccardi A.,
Fini L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2004.08524.x
Subject(s) - physics , adaptive optics , software , wavefront , telescope , optics , interferometry , pyramid (geometry) , tilt (camera) , guide star , aerospace engineering , computer science , mechanical engineering , programming language , engineering
The software package caos (code for adaptive optics systems) described in this paper is a software ensemble of modules designed for end‐to‐end simulation of generic astronomical adaptive optics (AO) systems, including a complete atmosphere turbulence model, sodium laser‐guide star upward and downward propagation, observed object definition, Shack–Hartmann and novel pyramid wave‐front sensors detailed modelling, wave‐front reconstruction and subsequent time‐filtering tools, and wave‐front correction via different kinds of correctors; but also image formation, Fizeau interferometry, coronagraphy, etc. Consequently, it is more likely to be used as a tool dedicated to detailed optical astronomy studies than as an instrument simulator, as it is based on a wide range of unprecedented physical modelling. After a brief but global description, with particular emphasis on the most interesting physical modelling features, its use is illustrated through a chosen application, namely the question concerning the opportunity of having a tip–tilt‐dedicated sensor in a 8‐m class telescope pyramid‐based AO system.