Optimal filtering techniques for the adaptive optics system of the LBT

TL;DR

This paper explores optimal filtering methods, specifically Kalman and H-infinity filters, to improve adaptive optics systems in the LBT telescope by estimating atmospheric and vibration-induced phase disturbances.

Contribution

It compares the effectiveness of Kalman and H-infinity filters for adaptive optics, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each in the context of the LBT.

Findings

H-infinity filter offers robustness advantages over Kalman filter.

Both filters effectively estimate phase perturbations due to turbulence and vibrations.

The paper discusses trade-offs between filter types for adaptive optics applications.

Abstract

In this paper we will discuss the application of optimal filtering techniques for the adaptive optics system of the LBT telescope. We have studied the application of both Kalman and H$_\infty$ filters to estimate the temporal evolution of the phase perturbations due to the atmospheric turbulence and the telescope vibrations on tip/tilt modes. We will focus on the H$_\infty$ filter and on its advantages and disadvantages over the Kalman filter.