1. Conference Highlights: Catching the Perfect Wave: Adaptive Optics and Optical Interferometry in the Twenty‐First Century
- Author
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Sergio R. Restaino and William Junor
- Subjects
Physics ,Zodiacal light ,business.industry ,Art history ,Astronomy and Astrophysics ,Large Binocular Telescope ,First light ,Exoplanet ,Interferometry ,Optics ,Space and Planetary Science ,Observatory ,Darwin (spacecraft) ,Adaptive optics ,business - Abstract
Over the course of the 3 day meeting, attendees reviewed the current states of the art in adaptive optics (AO) and optical interferometry (OI) and investigated the synthesis of these techniques that will be necessary for the next-generation of high angular resolution optical and IR telescopes. Given this motivation, what better keynote speaker to have than Nobel Laureate, Professor Charles Townes (University of California at Berkeley)? Untrammeled by overhead displays or gadgetry, Professor Townes simply unfolded the histories of the fields to the audience, here and there elucidating a point with typically understated (or even oblique) accounts of his own significant contributions. Of course, laser technology, which Professor Townes made possible, is the major tool for alignment and characterization of optical systems. Without this, AO and OI would not be where it is today. Professor Virginia Trimble (University of California at Irvine and University of Maryland) followed Professor Townes with a provocative talk: “provocative” on two accounts—the first, her eclectic wish list of what to do with the next generation of high-resolution instruments, and the second, galvanizing the attendees into singing (we think it was singing) the adaptive optics/optical interferometry battle hymn. Professor Roger Angel (Steward Observatory and University of Arizona) outlined the reasons why OI is essential for the detection of extrasolar planets. Proposed schemes stem from the original Bracewell and McPhie nulling interferometer concept. Some space-borne interferometer concepts were presented (DARWIN, OASES). Professor Angel discussed strategies for dealing with the zodiacal clouds in other systems; such clouds will be at least 10 times brighter than the extrasolar planets. The Large Binocular Telescope will be a test bed for some of the technical concepts. That instrument will see first light around 2002 and can be used as a Bracewell interferometer. The reasons why adaptive optics systems are needed for
- Published
- 1998
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