Keck Observatory and Alpao develop next generation adaptive optics system
W. M. Keck Observatory and deformable mirrors and adaptive optics specialist Alpao have partnered to develop an improvement for the Keck II telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii.
At the heart of the new system is an innovative, high-performance deformable mirror to upgrade the existing adaptive optics on the 10-meter telescope. This project, called Haka – high order all-sky Keck adaptive optics – includes the design, production, test, and delivery of a large, high density, high frequency deformable mirror based on the fully proven electromagnetic technology patented by Alpao.
Through this partnership, W. M. Keck Observatory and Alpao will leverage the extensive knowledge and expertise in adaptive optics technology from both teams to advance the techniques used to correct the blurring of astronomical images caused by turbulence in the Earth’s atmosphere.
“This new project will strongly support our revenue ambition and it confirms once again Alpao’s excellence into the design, production, and support of customized, large, reliable deformable mirrors into astronomy applications. Closely working with Keck scientists, Sam Ragland and Peter Wizinowich, will allow us to go faster, lower the risks of such development, and reinforce our position as a world leader in adaptive optics. We already have an unique position in our 3000+ actuators deformable mirrors production facility in Montbonnot, France, which will be further strengthened,” said Piero Bruno, sales and marketing director of Alpao.
"Haka will supercharge our current adaptive optics system,” said Ragland, senior adaptive optics systems scientist. “When used in combination with the next-generation science instruments being developed for Keck, this upgrade will enable exciting science such as direct imaging of dozens of never-before seen exoplanets, characterizing their atmospheres, and measuring their dynamical masses.
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