Dissecting galaxies with adaptive optics

R. Davies; H. Engel; E. Hicks; N. M. Förster Schreiber; R. Genzel; L. J. Tacconi; F. Eisenhauer; S. Rabien

doi:10.1117/12.856378

28 July 2010 Dissecting galaxies with adaptive optics

R. Davies, H. Engel, E. Hicks, N. M. Förster Schreiber, R. Genzel, L. J. Tacconi, F. Eisenhauer, S. Rabien

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Proceedings Volume 7736, Adaptive Optics Systems II; 77361G (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856378
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe several projects addressing the growth of galaxies and massive black holes, for which adaptive optics is mandatory to reach high spatial resolution but is also a challenge due to the lack of guide stars and long integrations. In each case kinematics of the stars and gas, derived from integral field spectroscopy, plays a key role. We explain why deconvolution is not an option, and that instead the PSF is used to convolve a physical model to the required resolution. We discuss the level of detail with which the PSF needs to be known, and the ways available to derive it. We explain how signal-to-noise can limit the resolution achievable and show there are many science cases that require high, but not necessarily diffraction limited, resolution. Finally, we consider what requirements astrometry and photometry place on adaptive optics performance and design.

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R. Davies, H. Engel, E. Hicks, N. M. Förster Schreiber, R. Genzel, L. J. Tacconi, F. Eisenhauer, and S. Rabien "Dissecting galaxies with adaptive optics", Proc. SPIE 7736, Adaptive Optics Systems II, 77361G (28 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.856378

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