The Active Segmented Mirror is a key subsystem of the Active Phasing Experiment. The size of the ASM is 154 mm in diameter. It will be used to test new types of phasing sensors recently developed within the ELT design study supported by the European Union. To our knowledge it is the first time that such miniature active optics composed of hexagonal segments having 3 degrees of freedom with a resolution of the order of a few nanometers and a range of several micrometers is manufactured. The ASM is composed of 61 hexagonal segments called "modules". Each module is assembled, glued and integrated from standard (piezo-actuators) and custom-made (mirrors, mechanics) parts procured from industries. The ASM has been designed and integrated at the European Southern Observatory. Specifications, designs, assembly tools, hand work skills, electronics, software, control algorithms and test procedures are the field of competences required to obtain in the end a "plug and play" product. The concept of the ASM is tested and validated by a prototype version composed of 7 modules equivalent of the central area of the ASM itself. The design, integration and results of the ASM tests are presented.
GeMS, the Gemini South MCAO System, has now been in operation for 3 years with the near infrared imager GSAOI. We first review the performance obtained by the system, the science cases and the current operational model. In the very near future, GeMS will undergo a profound metamorphosis, as we will integrate a new NGS wavefront sensor, replace the current 50W laser with a more robust one and prepare for a new operational model where operations will shift from the mountain to the base facility. Along this major evolution, we are also presenting several improvements on the loop control, calibrations and automatization of this complex system. We discuss here the progress of the different upgrades and what we expect in terms of performance improvements and operational efficiency.
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