2002/07/02 by L. A. Thompson, Laird A. Thompson, Thompson, L. A. +3
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing #Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation #Astrophysics (astro-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.astro-ph/0207074
(42 pages, 10 figures, accepted for publication in the September issue of PASP
arxiv created 2002/07/02 · openalex publication_date 2002/07/02 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Laser guide stars created by Rayleigh scattering provide a reasonable means to monitor atmospheric wavefront distortions for real-time correction by adaptive optics systems. Because of the λ-4 wavelength dependence of Rayleigh scattering, short wavelength lasers are a logical first choice for astronomical laser guide star systems, and in this paper we describe the results from a sustained experimental effort to integrated into an adaptive optics system a 351 nm Rayleigh laser guide star created at an altitude of 20 km (above MSL) at the Mt. Wilson 2.5-m telescope. In addition to providing obvious scientific benefits, the 351 nm laser guide star projected by UnISIS is "Stealth qualified: in terms of the FAA and airplane avoidance. Due to the excellent return signal at the wavefront sensor, there is no doubt that future applications will be found for short-wavelength Rayleigh scattered laser guide stars.