# Advancing Adaptive Optics into the Visible for Black Hole Science

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Berkeley (CA) · $678,244

## Abstract

The investigators will perform an in-depth study of the Adaptive Optics (AO) system error budget for the W. M. Keck Observatory, laying the ground-work to achieve three-times sharper images in visible light than what is currently possible at infrared wavelengths even from existing space-based telescopes. To do so they will develop a high-fidelity numerical simulation of this system that accounts for small hardware and software calibration errors that have little impact in the infrared but significantly degrade visible image quality. This AO “digital twin” will establish the limits of existing AO systems and predict the image quality and science yield of future systems. Sharper, visible-light images will lead to discoveries, e.g., enabling future instruments that astronomers can use to find and weigh stellar-mass black holes in the Milky Way and understand the interplay between supermassive black holes and their environment. Lessons learned from the Keck AO system are applicable to a wide range of astronomical facilities, including planned extremely large telescopes. A web-based calculator will be created that will use the digital twin to predict visible-light performance for different AO system design choices.

The goal of this investigation is to deepen our understanding of the limitations to achieving diffraction-limited performance at visible wavelengths with a high sky-coverage, laser-guided AO systems. Keck Observatory is the ideal laboratory to pursue this investigati

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2511697
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Berkeley (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GS3YEVSS12N6
- **PI:** Jessica R Lu
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, INSTRUMENTATION
- **Estimated total:** $678,244
- **Funds obligated:** $678,244
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2511697

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2511697, Advancing Adaptive Optics into the Visible for Black Hole Science. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2511697. Licensed CC0.

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