Optimising the NAOMI adaptive optics real-time control system

Abstract

This thesis describes the author's research in the field of Real-Time Control (RTC) for Adaptive Optics (AO) instrumentation. The research encompasses experiences and knowledge gained working in the area of RTC on astronomical instrumentation projects whilst at the Optical Science Laboratories (OSL), University College London (UCL), the Isaac Newton Groups of Telescopes (ING) and the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (СfAI), Durham University. It begins by providing an extensive introduction to the field of Astronomical Adaptive Optics covering Image Correction Theory, Atmospheric Theory, Control Theory and Adaptive Optics Component Theory. The following chapter contains a review of the current state of world wide AO instruments and facilities. The Nasmyth Adaptive Optics Multi-purpose Instrument (NAOMI), the common user AO facility at the 4.2 William Herschel Telescope (WHT), is subsequently described. Results of NAOMI component characterisation experiments are detailed to provide a system understanding of the improvement optimisation could offer. The final chapter investigates how upgrading the RTCS could increase NAOMI'S spatial and temporal performance and examines the RTCS in the context of Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) class telescopes.