1. California Association for Research in Astronomy W. M. Keck Observatory KPAO Keck Precision Adaptive Optics Keck Precision AO (KPAO) SSC Presentation January 26, 2005 Christopher Neyman & Peter Wizinowich for the KPAO team Keck Adaptive Optics Note 305

2. Presentation Outline Goal of Proposal Phase Progress to Date Team Members Some KPAO performance & technical issues

3. KPAO Proposal Phase Goal: Produce a well developed proposal by early 2006 to seek external funding to build KPAO. Observatory funding at 1.5 ftes in FY05 & 0.5 in FY06 This will require: well developed requirements, a sufficiently developed design to have confidence the requirements can be met, a credible budget and schedule, appropriate review & approval.

4. KPAO Progress (pre-FY05) KPAO identified as highest priority long term AO project as part of AOWG strategic planning efforts Preliminary science cases part of this effort KPAO proposal project approved in Observatory FY05/06 budget & full-time lead (Neyman) identified In collaboration with AOWG (Dekany, Troy): KPAO requirements & constraints document produced Error budget tool developed for KPAO CfAO proposal submitted for a KPAO postdoc as a collaboration with ELT efforts (Neyman, Dekany, Ellerbroek, Lloyd- Hart, Troy, Wizinowich)

5. KPAO Progress (FY05) CfAO/TMT funding received for Postdoc & Postdoc (Flicker) hired AODP proposal submitted “Optimal measurement & correction of low order wavefront errors in LGS AO systems” Project Scientist (Brown) identified + science case support (Lai) identified. Work recently begun on science case document. Monthly telecons held (with Dekany, Ellerbroek & Troy) to discuss technical issues & collaborations Technical issues addressed: Atmosphere & sodium layer properties documented Initial linear modeling (Arcadia) & Monte Carlo simulations (Arroyo) Initial analysis of some basic AO architecture issues (sky coverage, number of lasers)

6. KPAO Progress (FY05) Currently developing a project plan with the following major WBS elements: 1. Science case & requirements 2. Detailed performance prediction 3. System design 4. Management plan including cost/schedule 5. External proposal Bi-monthly status reports (starting Feb. 1) will include tracking progress versus plan.

7. KPAO Team 1.5 ftes funded by CARA

8. Some KPAO Technical Issues What performance does KPAO potentially offer (per the requirements) Low rms wavefront error: 120nm baseline, 17 mV, on-axis High Strehl stability, good knowledge of delivered PSF Moderate field of view Near complete sky coverage Good wavelength coverage (0.45 to 14 um) Low emissivity Facility class What performance does this imply?

9. KPAO’s Large Performance Niche

10. KPAO Pushes AO into the Visible

11. KPAO Parameters

12. Residual Science Wavefront Phase Modulator Wavefront Sensors Phase Processor Na Laser Guide Stars Residual LGS wavefronts Cone Effect Only (SCAO or SOAO)

13. Sky Coverage: Example Trade Study

14. Site Baseline: Maui MALT Na Data Courtesy U. of Illinois EE LIDAR group

15. Site Baseline: Seeing on Mauna Kea

16. Summary Very exciting potential capability for the Observatory. Team formed around project. Project planning progressing. System architecture issues under investigation. If you are interested in getting involved please talk to us!