`imaka - a ground-layer adaptive optics system on Maunakea

TL;DR

`imaka` is a ground-layer adaptive optics system on Maunakea that significantly expands the corrected field of view, enabling high-resolution imaging over a large area in visible and near-infrared wavelengths.

Contribution

This paper introduces `imaka`, a novel GLAO system that leverages Maunakea's atmospheric conditions to achieve unprecedented wide-field correction.

Findings

Corrected field of view ~1/3 degree in the visible and near-infrared.

Achieves FWHM ~0.33 arcseconds in the corrected images.

Demonstrates the system's potential for science cases requiring wide-field high-resolution imaging.

Abstract

We present the integration status for `imaka, the ground-layer adaptive optics (GLAO) system on the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii. This wide-field GLAO pathfinder system exploits Maunakea's highly confined ground layer and weak free-atmosphere to push the corrected field of view to ~1/3 of a degree, an areal field approaching an order of magnitude larger than any existing or planned GLAO system, with a FWHM ~ 0.33 arcseconds in the visible and near infrared. We discuss the unique design aspects of the instrument, the driving science cases and how they impact the system, and how we will demonstrate these cases on the sky.