Since 1994, CAAO manages a variety of adaptive optics related efforts being undertaken at Steward Observatory. All of our large telescopes (MMT, Magellan, and LBT) now have adaptive secondary mirrors that feed high resolution instrumentation. For more information visit the CAAO website.
Technical Manager, CAAO: Manny Montoya
Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics
Founded in 1994, the mission of the Center is to support the advancement of astronomical science by providing the means by which to exploit observations at very high resolutions. The Center demonstrates this focus through its current activities and plans for state-of-the-art adaptive optics systems and related technologies for the many large telescope projects of Steward Observatory, in cooperation with partners from elsewhere on campus, across the country, and around the world. These devices significantly reduce the main limitation of ground-based telescopes, the severe reduction of image quality that results from turbulence in Earth's atmosphere. Operating at near-infrared wavelengths, the Center's AO systems allow imaging and spectroscopy at the limit of resolution of optical diffraction. These advances in astronomers' abilities to view the heavens represent the biggest leap in astronomical technology since the invention of the telescope itself.
Currently, the Center explores and implements a broad range of instrumental and analytical techniques for both ground- and space-based observations. Adaptive Optics systems are not the Center's end products; the enhancement of astronomical science that comes from Adaptive Optics and AO-enabled techniques is an ultimate CAAO goal. This requires of the Center parallel development of both ancillary instrumentation and data reduction capabilities, as well as the invention of new observational techniques, especially space-based techniques for the detection of exo-Earths.
Research Programs
The Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics offers an exceptionally rich environment for research in many areas related to Adaptive Optics and Astronomy. The faculty members pursue a wide range of research programs including instrument design and development for ground-based and space-borne telescopes, Laser Guidestar Adaptive Optics, Exo-planetary observations, and solar energy development.
Some of the projects being worked on are:
MAPS
The MMT AO exoPlanet characterization System
MAPS encompasses an adaptive optics (AO) system feeding an imager and high-res spectrograph "ARIES", plus an associated science and education program for characterizing exoplanets.
XWCL
Extreme wavefront control lab
The Extreme Wavefront Control Lab at the University of Arizona rearranges starlight to reveal planets. We accomplish this with novel optics, real-time control systems, and large-scale data post-processing.
UASAL
University of arizona space astrophysics lab
Space telescopes large and small. CubeSats and instrumentation. Exoplanets, debris disks, and better understanding our own planet.
LBTI
Large binocular telescope Interferometer
A high spatial resolution, low thermal background instrument making use of both 8.4m apertures of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).