Introduction to theCenter for Adaptive Optics

Winter 2003

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What is Adaptive Optics?

• Adaptive Optics (AO) refers to optical systems which adapt to compensate for optical effects introduced by the medium between the object and its image.

• In Astronomy:– AO technology can remove the blurring/twinkling effect of the Earth's

atmosphere that has long plagued ground-based astronomers.– It allows ground-based telescopes to achieve image clarity previously

attainable only by space-based instruments.

• In Vision Science and Ophthalmology:– AO makes it practical for scientists to study individual photoreceptors in the

retinas of living human eyes. Without AO, the eye’s lens and cornea distort images of the retina, making it impossible to study individual cells on the retina.

– In addition, AO can help ophthalmologists make better glasses and contacts, and improve overall diagnosis/study of eye diseases.

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Astronomical AO Example: Neptune

Without adaptive optics With adaptive optics

2.3

arc

sec

Credit: Keck Observatory, LLNL, UCB

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Vision Science AO Example

Without adaptive optics With adaptive optics

Scale: Individual photoreceptors are ~2 microns across.

Credit: Austin Roorda, University of Houston

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What is the Center for Adaptive Optics?

• The CfAO is one of 5 National Science Foundation “Science and Technology Centers” started in Fall 1999.

– Funded by NSF for 5 years (through 2004) at ~$4 million per year, and renewable for an additional 5 years (through 2009).

• CfAO’s Purpose:– To advance and disseminate the technology of adaptive optics in

service to science, health care, industry, and education.

• CfAO’s Goal:– To lead the revolution in AO, by developing and demonstrating the

technology, creating major improvements in AO systems, and catalyzing advances nationwide within the next decade.

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CfAO’s Research Themes

• Theme 1 - Education and Human Resources– Increase interest and knowledge of CfAO activities in broader community.– Professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.– Promote increased participation, retention, and advancement of underrepresented high

school and college students in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology careers.

• Theme 2 - AO for Extremely Large Telescopes– Complete AO system design for the next generation of large telescopes (30-100

meters in diameter).• Key technologies: Laser guide stars, Multi-conjugate AO

• Theme 3 - Extreme Adaptive Optics– Advanced AO systems optimized for ultra-high contrast astronomical imaging of

extra-solar planets and planetary systems.• Key technologies: Coronographs, Wavefront Sensors

• Theme 4 - Compact Vision Science Instrumentation– Develop compact AO imaging instruments for mainstream clinical and scientific

use.• Key technologies: MEMS Deformable Mirrors

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Keck Observatory

Example CfAO Project:Laser guide stars (Theme 2)

Lick Observatory

Credit: UCO Lick Observatory

Credit: John McDonald,Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corp.

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CfAO Members

•Members:

–UCSC (Center Headquarters)–UCB, UCI, UCLA, UCSD–California Institute of Technology–University of Chicago–University of Rochester–University of Houston–Indiana University–Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory–Carthage College–W.M. Keck Observatory

•Partners

–Gemini Observatory–National Optical Astronomy Observatory–Jet Propulsion Laboratory–Canadian Dominion Astrophysical Observatory–Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

•Industrial Partners

–Lucent Technologies–Bausch & Lomb–Boston Micromachines Corporation–MEMS Optical–Rockwell

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“Center” Attributes

• Encourages technology transfer , knowledge sharing, and collaboration between vision science, astronomy, and engineering.

• Most CfAO member sites are equipped with videoconferencing equipment used for:

– Casual meetings between members.– Remote auditing of graduate courses.– CfAO Executive Board meetings.– Event planning meetings.

• Supports building industry partnerships.

• Supports multi-site collaborations.

• Supports travel for members visiting other sites.

Summer ResearchInternship Program

Winter 2003

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What is it?

•A paid, full-time 8-week program for interns to participate in ongoing research projects at various CfAO sites.

•Program includes orientation at UCSC during first week and student symposium at end of 8-week program.

•The program is for:

–Community college students–Undergraduates from 4-year universities

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What’s in it for you?

•Experience working with professors, researchers, and graduate students on cutting-edge research in astronomy, vision science, and engineering.

•Your own research project at a CfAO Institution.

•Involvement in a nationally recognized community of scientists.

•$2500 stipend, plus housing and travel expenses.

•An overall experience that will help you formulate and refine goals for your future education and career.

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Opportunities for Summer 2003

•Indiana University - 2 interns–Analysis of data and/or hardware from retina camera.

•LLNL - 3 interns–Variety of projects involving astronomy, vision science, communications, remote sensing and lasers.

•University of Rochester - 2 interns–Operation of AO camera for the eye, and experiments for biomedical applications.

•UCLA - 2 interns–Analysis of AO observations of the center of our Galaxy, and of distant galaxies.–Assembly and testing of AO instrumentation.

•UCSC - 3 interns–Evaluation of HIRES spectrograph dewar upgrades.–Improvements to the thermal environment of the Lick 120-inch telescope.–Development of AO demonstration tools.

•Montana State University - 1 intern–Analysis and mathematical post-processing of eye data from University of Houston’s AO Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope.

•University of Houston - 2 interns–Creation of large mosaicked image maps of research subjects’ retinas.–Interpretation of 3-D images of human retinas.

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Where to get more information

•Today’s Speaker:

–Flyer–Application Packet

•CfAO Web Site:

http://cfao.ucolick.org–Flyer–Application Packet–2002 Intern Profiles–2002 Symposium Presentations

•Contact CfAO:

–Phone: 831-459-5592–Email: cfao@ucolick.org

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Dates and Deadlines

•Applications Due:

–February 14, 2003 at 5:00pm

•Selection Notification:

–By March 15, 2003

•Placement Notification:

–By March 20, 2003

•Orientation at UCSC:

–June 23-29, 2003

•Internship Projects:

–June 30-August 8, 2003

•Symposium at UCSC:

–August 11, 2003