Robo-AO: autonomous laser adaptive optics for meter class telescopes

Christoph Baranec, Caltech

Robo-AO is an autonomous laser guide star adaptive optics (AO) system,
delivering diffraction-limited resolution observing in the visible and
near-infrared (0.1"-0.25") for up to hundreds of targets per night on
modest sized telescopes. Robo-AO's capability enables the exploration of
science parameter spaces such as large (10k+) targeted AO surveys, rapid
AO imaging of transient events and long-term AO monitoring not feasible on
large diameter telescopes. The system is mid-way through its on-sky
commissioning period which precedes a month long science demonstration at
Palomar Observatory's 60-inch telescope. I will describe science programs,
the instrument, current commissioning results and future plans for the
worldwide deployment of Robo-AO clones.