W. M. Keck Observatory and ALPAO have partnered to develop the next generation, state-of-the-art adaptive optics system for the Keck II 10-meter telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii.
W. M. Keck Observatory and ALPAO are working together to develop an innovative, high-performance deformable mirror to upgrade the existing adaptive optics system on the Keck II 10-meter telescope.
This project, called HAKA (High order All-sky Keck Adaptive optics), includes the design, production, test, and delivery of a large, high-density, high-frequency deformable mirror based on the fully proven electromagnetic technology patented by ALPAO.
Through this partnership, W. M. Keck Observatory and ALPAO will leverage the extensive knowledge and expertise in adaptive optics technology from both teams to advance the techniques used to correct the blurring of astronomical images caused by turbulence in the Earth’s atmosphere.
“This new project will strongly support our revenue ambition and it confirms once again ALPAO’s excellence into the design, production, and support of customized, large, reliable deformable mirrors into astronomy applications. Closely working with W. M. Keck Observatory scientists, Sam Ragland and Peter Wizinowich, will allow us to go faster, lower the risks of such development, and reinforce our position as a world leader in adaptive optics. We already have an unique position in our 3000+ actuators deformable mirrors production facility (in Montbonnot, France) which will be further strengthened by today’s announcement,” said Piero Bruno, sales & marketing director of ALPAO.
“HAKA will supercharge our current adaptive optics system,” said Sam Ragland, senior adaptive optics systems scientist at Keck Observatory. “When used in combination with the next-generation science instruments being developed for Keck, this upgrade will enable exciting science such as direct imaging of dozens of never-before-seen exoplanets, characterizing their atmospheres, and measuring their dynamical masses.”