The UC Center for Adaptive Optics

2012 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 4, 2012 and lasting through November 5. 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 4, 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

Contact

Workshop Organizer: Donald Gavel

Facilitator: Leslie Ward