Monte-Carlo modelling of multi-conjugate adaptive optics performance on the European Extremely Large Telescope

TL;DR

This paper uses Monte-Carlo simulations to evaluate and optimize the design parameters of a multi-conjugate adaptive optics system for the European Extremely Large Telescope, balancing performance and cost.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of how various design parameters affect system performance and identifies an optimal configuration for cost-effective high-quality adaptive optics.

Findings

A 6 laser guide star system with 3 DMs offers the best performance-cost trade-off.

Trade-offs between system performance and cost are systematically analyzed.

Potential cost savings are identified without significantly compromising performance.

Abstract

The performance of a wide-field adaptive optics system depends on input design parameters. Here we investigate the performance of a multi-conjugate adaptive optics system design for the European Extremely Large Telescope, using an end-to-end Monte-Carlo adaptive optics simulation tool, DASP. We consider parameters such as the number of laser guide stars, sodium layer depth, wavefront sensor pixel scale, number of deformable mirrors, mirror conjugation and actuator pitch. We provide potential areas where costs savings can be made, and investigate trade-offs between performance and cost. We conclude that a 6 laser guide star system using 3 DMs seems to be a sweet spot for performance and cost compromise.