# Advancing Autonomous Adaptive Optics and Adaptive Secondary Mirror Technologies

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Hawaii (HI) · $435,843

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2509941

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2509941, Advancing Autonomous Adaptive Optics and Adaptive Secondary Mirror Technologies. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2509941. Licensed CC0.

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