Laser operations at the 8-10m class telescopes Gemini, Keck, and the VLT: lessons learned, old and new challenges

Paola Amico; Randall D. Campbell; Julian C. Christou

doi:10.1117/12.858615

29 July 2010 Laser operations at the 8-10m class telescopes Gemini, Keck, and the VLT: lessons learned, old and new challenges

Paola Amico, Randall D. Campbell, Julian C. Christou

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7737, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems III; 77370A (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858615
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Laser Guide Star (LGS) assisted Adaptive Optics routine operations have commenced at three of the major astronomical observatories, in 2004 (Keck) and 2006 (VLT and Gemini) respectively. Subaru is also on the verge of putting its LGS facility into operations. In this paper we concentrate on the operational aspect of the laser facilities: we discuss common problems such as weather constraints, beam collisions, aircraft avoidance and optimal telescope scheduling. We highlight important differences between the observatories, especially in view of the valuable lessons learnt. While it is true that the three observatories have made quick progress and achieved important scientific results during the first years of operations, there is much room left for improvement in terms of the efficiency that can be obtained on sky. We compare and contrast the more recently implemented LGS systems of VLT and Gemini operated in service and queue modes to the more mature LGS operation at Keck that employs classical PI scheduled observing.

Citation Download Citation

Paola Amico, Randall D. Campbell, and Julian C. Christou "Laser operations at the 8-10m class telescopes Gemini, Keck, and the VLT: lessons learned, old and new challenges", Proc. SPIE 7737, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems III, 77370A (29 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858615

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available