VLT
Very Large Telescope
2016
Project Specifications
Main Scope
Adaptive Deformable Secondary Mirror
Developed by
AdOptica (Microgate + ADS International) - Support by INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri for the first UT4 unit.
First light
2016
Primary Mirror Ø
8,2 m
Secondary Mirror Ø
1,12 m
Number of actuators
1170
Grandezza della struttura
Paranal, Chile
ESO
VLT
Very Large Telescope
Status:
Fully operative
Fully operative; the new units are currently in the design phase
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Description
The VLT Adaptive Secondary Mirror represents the only system of its kind to have reliably operated for more than 11 years, demonstrating exceptional availability and long-term operational stability in one of the world’s leading astronomical observatories.The current unit is installed on the UT4 main VLT telescope; based on this proven track record of performance, an additional unit has been recently commissioned to further enhance the operational capabilities and adaptive optics performance of the Very Large Telescope at Cerro Paranal, Chile. The additional unit will be installed on the UT3 main telescope. Within the same contract, the UT4 unit will be refurbished so to be completely aligned with the new unit on UT3.
Microgate responsibilities
Microgate is responsible for the design, development, construction and testing of embedded electronics, firmware and software, and control systems supporting the adaptive secondary mirror infrastructure.The activities include electronics production, subsystem testing, system-level integration, electromechanical and optical testing, and final on-site commissioning.
