The Robo-AO-2 facility for rapid visible/near-infrared AO imaging and the demonstration of hybrid techniques

TL;DR

Robo-AO-2 is a next-generation laser adaptive optics system designed for rapid, high-quality visible and near-infrared imaging, incorporating hybrid techniques to improve faintness limits for exoplanet observations.

Contribution

This paper introduces Robo-AO-2, a new adaptive optics system with hybrid techniques and enhanced capabilities for high-priority astronomical observations.

Findings

Successful development of a reconfigurable guide star sensor

Demonstration of hybrid AO techniques extending faintness limits

Enhanced imaging speed and quality at Maunakea

Abstract

We are building a next-generation laser adaptive optics system, Robo-AO-2, for the UH 2.2-m telescope that will deliver robotic, diffraction-limited observations at visible and near-infrared wavelengths in unprecedented numbers. The superior Maunakea observing site, expanded spectral range and rapid response to high-priority events represent a significant advance over the prototype. Robo-AO-2 will include a new reconfigurable natural guide star sensor for exquisite wavefront correction on bright targets and the demonstration of potentially transformative hybrid AO techniques that promise to extend the faintness limit on current and future exoplanet adaptive optics systems.