KUIPER , Stefan

We are developing a new adaptive secondary mirror (ASM) for the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope based on a novel and very efficient hybrid variable reluctance actuator developed by TNO. The actuator technology has broad implications on the ASM design and results in an ASM with a thicker facesheet, lower power dissipation, and simple...

Adaptive optics is an advanced technique developed for large telescopes. It turns out to be challenging for smaller telescopes (0.5~2m) due to the small isoplanatic angle, small subapertures and high correction speeds needed at visible wavelengths, requiring bright stars for guiding, severely limiting the sky coverage. The motivation to develop...

TNO and industrial partners VDL ETG, L3Harris and Hyperion are developing a novel Adaptive Secondary Mirror (ASM) for Ground Layer Adaptive Optics (GLAO) at the University of Hawaii's 88-inch telescope on Mauna Kea. The ASM is based on a unique actuator principle which delivers a >30µm PV 99% linear stroke at a very high efficiency in terms of...

V(WF)²S: Very Wide Field WaveFront Sensor for GLAO

Adaptive optics is a technique mostly used on large telescopes. It turns out to be challenging for smaller telescopes (0.5~2m) due to the small isoplanatic angle, small subapertures and high correction speeds needed at visible wavelengths, requiring bright stars for guiding, severely limiting the sky coverage. NGS SCAO is ideal for planetary...

TNO and industrial partners are developing a new type of adaptive secondary mirrors (ASM) for the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope, consisting of 210 actuators, in an overall volume of ø63cm by 15cm height, and having an aspherical convex mirror-shell of 3,5mm thickness. The novel actuator technology enables a compact system without...