ProposerInfo < Palomar/Palm3000

<work in progress>

---+ PALM-3000 Observers Information - 2011B

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---++ Overview
PALM-3000 and its back-end instruments are optimized for high-angular resolution science at visible and near-infrared wavelengths.  As the world's highest order adaptive optics system, PALM-3000 will correct for atmospheric turbulence to an unprecedented degree using a new 3,388 actuator deformable mirror in conjunction with the former 349 actuator

---++ 2011B Call for Proposals
PALM-3000 will be available for shared-risk science observations, per the Call for Proposals [add ref. link here], in 2011B.

---++ Current Instrument Status
   * PALM-3000 is undergoing system integration at Palomar Observatory.  We expect our first light engineering test of PALM-3000 in mid-May 2011.  
   * PHARO is currently operational at the summit and we expect to open the dewar for a single mask/filter exchange in late-April 2011.
   * P1640 - coronagraph + CAL is undergoing integration and testing at JPL in Pasadena.
   * P1640 - IFS is enjoying an upgrade to a science-grade H2RG detector at AMNH in New York City.
   * SWIFT is currently undergoing refurbishment at Oxford University, UK.

---++ Expected System Capabilities 
For 2011B, PALM-3000 will support natural guide star wavefront sensing (only) in the following correction modes:

| Number of subapertures per pupil diameter | Limiting magnitude | Best performance magnitude | Notes |
| 62 | V ~ 7 | V < 5.5 | |
| 32 | V ~ 10 | 5.5 < V < 7.5 | |

---++ Expected Performance
   * PALM-3000 Error Budget Summary

[check back here for a plot of expected performance]

---++ Expected Performance vs. Seeing


---++ Expected Observing Overheads

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Expected AO overheads:
These numbers reflect performance as of May 2005.
AO & laser startup (from 12° twilight)	30 min
Acquisition of new target (TT ref. R<15.5)	3-5 min
Acquisition of new target (TT ref. 15.5 < R < 17.0)	5-8 min
Acquisition of new target (TT ref. R>17.0)	6-10 min
Dither with laser move	20 sec
Dither without laser move	10 sec
Recovery from aircraft or LTCS shuttering of the laser	3 min




Last updated - 03 Mar 2011
This topic: Palomar/Palm3000 > WebHome > ProposerInfo
Topic revision: r1 - 2011-03-03 - RichardDekany