Gemini North Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics

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New Pre-Alignment Camera
Kaniela Dement CFAO Akamai Internship Gemini
North Observatory University of
Hawaii-Hilo Mentor Celine dOrgeville
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Project To design and install a new
Pre-Alignment Camera that can view the Trust
Centering Mirror from the control room during
Laser alignment. Name
TCMPAC
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• 1st Light Gemini North Laser
• May 1, 2005

Photo Kenny Grace
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Laser Guide Star Basics
http//www.ing.iac.es/PR/newsletter/news2/first.ht
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The Miracle of Adaptive Optics
Image courtesy of Gemini North Observatory
A normal ground based infrared image
Partially corrected using AO reveals binary
A longer exposure of the binary using AO
An early planetary system edge-on
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Gemini North LGS/AO Instruments
Gemini AO System (Altair) Constructed by the
Hertzberg Institute of Astrophysics-Canada
15W Solid State Sodium Laser Constructed
by Coherent Technologies Inc.-Colorado, USA
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PROJECT TCMPAC PLAN
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Challenges of Project TCMPAC

• 31 days to complete (23 working days)
• Assembly box is on telescope and cannot be
  removed. An aerial lift is the only way to view
  TCM.
• A mechanical drawing using computer 3-D modeling
  must be completed before mounting assemblies can
  be ordered.
• Design must be MCAO compatible (able to view 5
  simultaneous lasers)
• Coordinating work with laser technicians,
  mechanical electrical optical engineers (one
  of which works in South America).
• Purchasing items in time to install

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DESIGN
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PROCUREMENT
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INSTALLATION
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MAHALO

• CFAO, Sarah Anderson, Malika Bell
• Gemini Observatory Support Staff
• Summit Day Crew
• Celine dOrgeville- Optical Engineer/ Mentor
• Kenny Grace- Laser Technician
• Ben Irassaval- Electrical Engineer
• Stacy Bombino- Autodesk designer
• Chas Cavedoni- Mechanical Engineer
• All the other interns and friends and family
• University of Hawaii-Hilo
• Funding provided through the Center for Adaptive
  Optics, a National Science Foundation Science and
  Technology Center (STC), AST-987683