Polychromatic Pyramid WFS (PoPy) project overview

Abstract

The Polychromatic Pyramid Wavefront Sensor (PoPy) project investigates how polychromatic wavefront measurements can improve wavefront sensing in adaptive optics systems, offering new opportunities to improve sensitivity and dynamic range, as well as correcting wavelength-dependent effects. To investigate these concepts experimentally, a dedicated adaptive optics test bench has been developed at Durham University which has demonstrated closed-loop operation at 100 Hz. The test bench incorporates a four-channel colour splitter based on a CMOS detector, enabling the immediate experimental validation of polychromatic wavefront sensing concepts. In parallel, an energy-sensitive microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) system is being developed for full broadband polychromatic wavefront sensing. The outcomes of the PoPy project will help to quantify the benefits and practical challenges of implementing polychromatic wavefront sensing.

Authors 15

1. D. Scott Acton

   UK Astronomy Technology Centre

   Affiliation as printed

   UK Astronomy Technology Ctr. (United Kingdom)

2. David Barr

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

3. Charlotte Z. Bond

   UK Astronomy Technology Centre

   Affiliation as printed

   UK Astronomy Technology Ctr. (United Kingdom)

4. Ben Buky

   UK Astronomy Technology Centre

   Affiliation as printed

   UK Astronomy Technology Ctr. (United Kingdom)

5. John Connolly

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

6. Tom Davies

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

7. Radhika Dharmadhikari

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

8. Sofia Dimoudi

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

9. Deli Geng

   Durham University

   Affiliation as printed

   Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

10. James Gill-Fleming

    Durham University

    Affiliation as printed

    Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

11. Tim Morris

    Durham University

    Affiliation as printed

    Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

12. Kieran O’Brien

    Durham University

    Affiliation as printed

    Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)

13. Noah Schwartz

    UK Astronomy Technology Centre

    Affiliation as printed

    UK Astronomy Technology Ctr. (United Kingdom)

14. Pieter de Visser Aachen SRON Space Research Organization Netherlands

    Space Research Organisation Netherlands

    Affiliation as printed

    SRON Space Research Organization Netherlands (Netherlands)

15. James T. Wells

    Durham University

    Affiliation as printed

    Durham Univ. (United Kingdom)