The UC Center for Adaptive Optics

2011 Workshop on

Laser Technology and Systems for Astronomical Adaptive Optics

Announcement

In coordination with the Center for Adaptive Optics, we are hosting a two-day workshop on laser systems for adaptive optics. The discussion is focused on the issues of producing artificial beacons in the sodium mesosphere for large aperture ground based telescopes.

Topics of interest include:

Sodium Return models and measurements
Theory of pulsed sodium excitation, preferable laser formats
Measurement standards (photometry, receiver filters, number of measurements and averaging, normalizing for latitude and seasonal variation, etc)
On-telescope commissioning experience
Approaches to laser beam transport including beam relay optics, fiber optics, and lunch telescope design.
Laser safety, aircraft and satellite predictive avoidance measures, coordination with aviation and space authorities.
Reports from laser suppliers

We are quite open to additional suggestions for topics. Please contact the conference organizer.

Venue and Registration

The workshop will be held in conjunction with the CfAO Fall Retreat, taking place at the UCLA Conference Center at Lake Arrowhead, California. This year the workshop will precede the retreat, starting November 9, 2011 and lasting through November 10. Registration materials will be e-mailed to invited participants by end of July. Workshop participants can stay at the UCLA Center the night of November 9, but will need to register early as there are limited spaces available. Nearby local hotels can accommodate overflow participants.

Because of limited resources of the CfAO this year, the costs of attendance will be borne by attendees. Please see the Fall Retreat web site for retreat and room and board costs and other local information.

Agenda

Participants

Preliminary list of invitees (in no particular order).

Participant	Institution	Planning to attend	Presentation Link
Donald Gavel	UCSC	✓
Brent Ellerbroek	TMT	✓
Dmitry Budker	UCB	✓
Simon Rochester	UCB	✓
Brian Patton	UCB	-
James Higbie	Bucknell University	-
Will Happer	Princeton University	-
Rachel Rampy	UCSC	✓	Modeling of Laser Guide Stars for Lick Observatory
Claire Max	UCSC	✓
Daren Dillon	UCSC	✓
Jerry Nelson	UCSC	-
Rosalie McGurk	UCSC	✓
Elinor Gates	Lick Observatory	✓
Joseph Janni	AMOS	✓
Paul Hillman	Fasortronics	✓
Craig Denman	Fasortronics	✓
Bob Fugate	UNM	-
Celine D'Orgeville	Gemini Observatory	-
Julian Christou	Gemini Observatory	✓
Jay Dawson	LLNL	-
Ron Holzloehner	ESO	✓	Simulations of Pulsed Sodium LGS - An (Incomplete) Overview
Domenico Bonaccini	ESO	-
Randy Campbell	Keck Observatory	✓	The Impact of Space Event Closures on Keck LGSAO Keck LGSAO and Laser Clearinghouse Blanket Closures
Steven Kramer	Science and Technology Policy Institute	✓
Angel Otarola	Thirty Meter Telescope	✓
Heather (Lehmann) Witts	Space Command / Laser Clearing House	✓
Christy Osmon	Starfire Optical Range	✓

Contact

Workshop Organizer: Donald Gavel

Facilitator: Leslie Ward