Gemini Preprint #76


Gemini North and South Laser Guide Star Systems Requirements and Preliminary Designs

C. d'Orgeville
Gemini Observatory

B. Bauman
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

J. Catone, B. L. Ellerbroek
Gemini Observatory

D. Gavel
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

R. Buchroeder
Optical Design Services

Abstract.

In the near future, the Gemini Observatory will offer Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics (LGS AO) observations on both Gemini North and South telescopes. The Gemini North AO system will use a 10W-class sodium laser to produce one laser guide star at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, whereas the Gemini South AO System will use up to five such lasers or a single 50W-class laser to produce one to five sodium beacons at Cerro Pachón, Chile. In this paper we discuss the similarities and differences between the Gemini North and South Laser Guide Star Systems. We give a brief overview of the Gemini facility Adaptive Optics systems and the on-going laser research and development program to procure efficient, affordable and reliable lasers. The main part of the paper presents the top-level requirements and preliminary designs for four of the Gemini North and South Laser Guide Star subsystems: the Laser Systems (LS), Beam Transfer Optics (BTO), Laser Launch Telescopes (LLT), and their associated Periscopes.

To appear in Proc. SPIE 4494, "Adaptive Optics Systems and Technology II".

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Ruth A. Kneale / web@gemini.edu / August 21, 2001