Advancing Autonomous Adaptive Optics and Adaptive Secondary Mirror Technologies

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $435,843 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This program fully automates the recently commissioned adaptive optics (AO) system, Robo-AO-2, with the University of Hawaii 2.2-m telescope (UH2.2-m). Robo-AO-2 delivers images that are similar in resolution to that of space telescopes of comparable size. Once automated, it will be used to rapidly characterize transient astronomical events in unprecedented numbers and detect changes in monitored objects early in their development. Robo-AO-2 will also be used to demonstrate new AO technologies and techniques, including command and performance evaluation of the new UH 2.2-m Adaptive Secondary Mirror (ASM), as well as innovative hybrid techniques that extend the brightness limit of high-contrast AO systems for the detection of exoplanets around cool stars. Access to adaptive optics is broadened through automation, lowering barriers for non-specialists to conduct high-resolution imaging, and providing six months of guaranteed observing time to foster survey-driven collaborations with the U.S. and international astronomical community. This program supports the current and future AO workforce, providing graduate through high-school students experience with modern telescope instrumentation and techniques. The fully automated, diffraction-limited Robo-AO-2 system developed in this program provides critical support of time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy: characterizing thousands of discoveries through additional observations at higher spatial or spectral resolution, or at c

Key facts

NSF award ID
2509941
Awardee
University of Hawaii (HI)
SAM.gov UEI
NSCKLFSSABF2
PI
Christoph Baranec
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, INSTRUMENTATION, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$435,843
Funds obligated
$435,843
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028