An adaptive optics image stabilizition system (tip/tilt system) has been designed and and installed on the 3 meter telescope at UCO/Lick observatory. This system corrects for unwanted motion of the stellar image at the slit of the Hamilton Spectrograph caused by atmospheric turbulence. Corrections are made by continuously monitoring the position of the image and correcting for errors by adjusting the angles of a small movable mirror which was added to the light path of the telescope. The position of the image, relative to the slit, is determined using a quadrant photomultiplier tube, a data aqcuisition system, and a control algorithm written for Visual Designer controls software. Once the error is determined, the controller outputs a correction signal to a mirror on a gimbal mount driven by two stepper motors. Prelimary testing showed the system to nearly double the throughput of the telescope during turbulent conditions allowing the user to acquire data twice as fast.
To view the entire thesis, click below:
complete.pdf (File has been damaged, look at individual sections)
To view by sections, use the following links:
chapter1.pdf (Introduction)
chapter2.pdf (Optical Table)
chapter3.pdf (Beamsplitter and PMT)
chapter4.pdf (Controls System and Electronics)
chapter5.pdf (Testing Results)
chapter6.pdf (Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Modifications)
appendices.pdf (Bibliography, Specifications, Operating Instructions, Parts List, Component Datasheets, Mechanical Drawings and experimental data.
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