Science readiness of the Gemini MCAO system: GeMS

Abstract

The Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS) began its on-sky commissioning in January 2011. The system provides high order wide-eld corrections using a constellation of ve Laser Guide Stars. In December 2011, commissioning culminated in images with a FWHM of 80±2mas at 1.65 microns (H band) over an 87 x 87 arcsecond eld of view. The rst images have already demonstrated the scientic potential of GeMS, and after more than a year of commissioning GeMS is nally close to completion and ready for science. This paper presents a general status of the GeMS project and summarizes the achievements made during more than a year of commissioning. The characterization of GeMS performance is presented in a companion paper: GeMS on-sky results, Rigaut et al. 1 Here we report on the sub-systems' performance, discuss current limitations and present proposed upgrades. The integration of GeMS into the observatory operational scheme is detailed. Finally, we present the plans for next year's operations with GeMS.

Gemini multiconjugate adaptive optics system review - I. Design, trade-offs and integration

“…• YAO (Rigaut 2002;Rigaut & van Dam 2013) is a software package and library to simulate AO systems. It is derived and expanded from aosimul (See Section 4.1).…”

“…• Number of LGS: This was based on an exhaustive study using both Ellerbroek (Ellerbroek & Cochran 2002;Ellerbroek 2002) and Rigaut (Rigaut 2002) simulation codes, and driven by both Strehl and Strehl uniformity requirements. In retrospect, it may have been preferable to break the redundancy in the constellation geometry, to avoid or reduce the appearance of invisible modes.…”