Multi –Conjugate Adaptive Optics Test-bed for horizontal propagation

Our program for the upgrade of the Naval Prototype Optical Interferometer with large telescopes and adaptive optics has produced a test-bed for the in system evaluation and testing of our MEMs adaptive optics components and system performances. We have already reported in recent publications the basic characteristics of the test-bed. In order to improve the capabilities of such laboratory set-up we have started an upgrade that aims at developing a Multi Conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCA) test-bed. This test bed is based on the use of multiple Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators (LCSLMs) for producing different phase screens at different spatial locations within the set-up. Details of this new set-up are presented in another paper in these proceedings. This paper specifically deals with the analytic portion of the MCAO test-bed. INTRODUCTION Our program has been focused on the development of light weight and low cost adaptive optics. For the past several years we have been testing devices and systems based on two main technologies, liquid crystals (LC) and MEMS. Recent advances in manufacturing capabilities have resulted in many new electro optical devices being developed for use in Adaptive Optics (AO) systems. These devices include MEMS [1, 2], liquid crystal devices [3], deformable secondary telescope mirrors [4] and emerging technologies using composite materials [5]. With so many of these systems coming available there is a significant need to be able to consistently evaluate and characterize the performance of these devices. Traditionally the performance of an atmospheric compensation device is evaluated either as part of a full AO system using astronomical targets or in static, laboratory tests using lasers and fixed aberrations. What is desired is a system that can consistently and repeatably generate a phase screen similar to the atmosphere but under direct user control. We also want to explore the use of multiple phase screens to simulate the generation of scintillation or alternatively the generation of phase screens that can reproduce the effect on wide Field Of View (FOV) systems. Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE SEP 2010 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Multi -Conjugate Adaptive Optics Test-bed for horizontal propagation 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER