SOAR Adaptive Module (SAM): seeing improvement with a UV laser
Andrei Tokovinin, Rolando Cantarutti, Roberto Tighe, Patricio, Schurter, Manuel Martinez, Sandrine Thomas, Nicole van der Bliek
TL;DR
The SOAR Adaptive Module (SAM) uses a UV laser guide star to correct ground-layer turbulence, achieving high-resolution imaging in the I band and supporting various science projects since 2014.
Contribution
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of SAM's design, operation, performance, and scientific applications, serving as a key reference for users and instrumentalists.
Findings
SAM corrects ground-layer turbulence effectively.
SAM achieves resolution comparable to free-atmosphere seeing.
SAM has supported multiple science projects since 2014.
Abstract
The adaptive module of the 4.1-m SOAR telescope, SAM, corrects ground-layer turbulence using a UV laser guide star. It has been commissioned in 2013 and it is in regular science operation since 2014. SAM works with the CCD imager covering a 3' field or with the speckle camera. It operates routinely and stably, delivering resolution in the I band equal to the free-atmosphere seeing. This paper describes the SAM system as a whole, providing essential reference for its users and technical information of interest to instrumentalists. Operation of the instrument, its performance, and science projects done with SAM so far are reviewed.
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