Open AccessCurvature wavefront sensing performance evaluation for active correction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)
Author(s) -
Anastacia M. Manuel,
D. W. Phillion,
Scot S. Olivier,
K. L. Baker,
Brice M. Can
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.001528
Subject(s) - large synoptic survey telescope , wavefront , optics , telescope , physics , cardinal point , primary mirror , curvature , adaptive optics , secondary mirror , wavefront sensor , optical telescope , active optics , field of view , deformable mirror , mathematics , geometry
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) uses a novel, three-mirror, modified Paul-Baker design, with an 8.4-meter primary mirror, a 3.4-m secondary, and a 5.0-m tertiary, along with three refractive corrector lenses to produce a flat focal plane with a field of view of 9.6 square degrees. In order to maintain image quality during operation, the deformations and rigid body motions of the three large mirrors must be actively controlled to minimize optical aberrations, which arise primarily from forces due to gravity and thermal expansion. We describe the methodology for measuring the telescope aberrations using a set of curvature wavefront sensors located in the four corners of the LSST camera focal plane. We present a comprehensive analysis of the wavefront sensing system, including the availability of reference stars, demonstrating that this system will perform to the specifications required to meet the LSST performance goals.