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CAMERA. A Compact, Automated MEMs-based Rayleigh Adaptive Optics System. Matthew Britton, Nick Law, Viswa Velur, Christoph Baranec. Science Cases. Adaptive optics surveys of 10 3 or more targets Stellar companions of all types Lensed quasars. Transient astronomy
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CAMERA A Compact, Automated MEMs-based Rayleigh Adaptive Optics System Matthew Britton, Nick Law, Viswa Velur, Christoph Baranec
Science Cases • Adaptive optics surveys of 103 or more targets • Stellar companions of all types • Lensed quasars • Transient astronomy • PTF / Pan Starrs / LSST followup • Large SNR gains redwards of I band • Scheduled observations • Mapping of binary orbits • Monitoring of solar system objects • Appulse events
Technical Description • Diffraction limited imaging in the visible and near infrared • Automated, queue scheduled observing • Monitors transient alert feeds and responds autonomously • Offers fast frame imaging capability • Constructed from off the shelf components • 12x12 MEMS device • PI tip tilt stage • 355 nm Rayleigh laser • Multiprocessor server
CAMERA Status • System design (Oct 2006-May 2007) • Testbed developed (Summer 2007) • Closed loop AO demonstration using a MEMS device. Testbed operated using a multiprocessor server driven by a web browser. • Proposal writing (Fall 2007) • Software development (Winter, 2008)
Programmatic Information • Collaboration with Pomona and Harvey Mudd Colleges • Interest in fielding a natural guide star version for Pomona 1m telescope at Table Mountain. • Funding proposals submitted to DOD DURIP and NSF ATI. • Decisions expected on April 28 (DURIP) and first half of 08 (ATI) • First phase funding proposal to the W.M. Keck Foundation for Pomona 1m natural guide star system approved. • Proposal for second phase in preparation.