Science readiness of the Gemini MCAO system: GeMS

Benoit Neichel, François Rigaut, Andrew Serio, Gustavo Arriagada, Maxime Boccas, Céline D'Orgeville, Vincent Fesquet, Chadwick Trujillo, William N. Rambold, Ramon L. Galvez, Gaston Gausachs, Tomislav B. Vucina, Vanessa Montes, Cristian Urrutia, Cristian Moreno, Sarah J. Diggs, Claudio Araya, Javier Lührs, Gelys Trancho, Matthieu BecClaudio Marchant, Fabian Collao, Eleazar R. Carrasco, Michelle L. Edwards, Peter Pessev, Ariel Lopez, Herman Diaz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) began its on-sky commissioning in January 2011. The system provides high order wide-field corrections using a constellation of five Laser Guide Stars. In December 2011, commissioning culminated in images with a FWHM of 80±2mas at 1.65 microns (H band) over an 87 x 87 arcsecond field of view. The first images have already demonstrated the scientific potential of GeMS, and after more than a year of commissioning GeMS is finally close to completion and ready for science. This paper presents a general status of the GeMS project and summarizes the achievements made during more than a year of commissioning. The characterization of GeMS performance is presented in a companion paper: "GeMS on-sky results", Rigaut et al.1 Here we report on the sub-systems' performance, discuss current limitations and present proposed upgrades. The integration of GeMS into the observatory operational scheme is detailed. Finally, we present the plans for next year's operations with GeMS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdaptive Optics Systems III
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
EventAdaptive Optics Systems III - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: Jul 1 2012Jul 6 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8447
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceAdaptive Optics Systems III
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityAmsterdam
Period7/1/127/6/12

Keywords

  • GeMS
  • LGS
  • MCAO
  • Multi-conjugate adaptive optics laser guide star

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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