ClearStar™ AO
A new paradigm in off-the-shelf performance adaptive optics for meter-class telescopes
HartSCI’s ClearStar™ AO system represents a paradigm shift in high-resolution imaging. For the first time, high-performance image sharpening is available as an off-the-shelf product for small to mid-size professional telescopes. ClearStar™ AO overcomes atmospheric blurring to deliver diffraction-limited image quality to science instruments operating in the 750 – 1000 nm wavebands. Built-in hardware and software tools support full and automatic internal calibration. The system connects to the outside world through a simple ethernet port and comes with a full-featured browser-based graphical user interface that can be run on any computer. ClearStar™ AO can also be controlled through an Application Programmers’ Interface (API), enabling fully automatic operation and seamless integration into the observatory environment.
ClearStar™ AO+ and ClearStar™ HP
Superior performance where it matters most
Building on HartSCI’s ClearStar™ AO platform, the AO+ version incorporates a deformable mirror with higher actuator count, delivering superior performance under more stressing conditions. Ideal for sites that are less than perfect, ClearStar™ AO+ provides diffraction-limited image quality even where local topography, wind, and heating drive challenging atmospheric turbulence.
ClearStar™ HP takes it even further. Built around more capable sensing and correcting elements, HP is designed for larger telescopes up to 1.5 m. These high grade instruments deliver exceptional image quality at a truly professional level.
ClearStar™ AO
in Action
on binary star g Leonis
Benefits of ClearStar™ AO
- Full automation and seamless integration.
- Breaks historical high-cost paradigm for high-order AO
- Dollar for dollar the highest resolution and contrast for imaging and spectroscopy for meter-class telescopes
- Eyes on sky within hours of delivery
Benefits of ClearStar™ AO+ and HP
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Enhanced performance under more stressing conditions
-
Diffraction-limited performance on telescopes up to 1.5 m
Features of ClearStar™ AO
- Correction to the diffraction limit in 750 – 1000 nm waveband
- Mates natively to PlaneWave CDK700, RC700, and PW1000 telescopes
- Supports PlaneWave IRF90 instrument rotator/focuser
- Customizable interface to other telescopes
- Diffraction-limited output beam delivers Nyquist-sampled images with common cameras
- Built-in scoring/acquisition camera and calibration source
- Customizable wavelength split between science and wavefront sensor channels
- Automated target acquisition on wavefront sensor
- Automated tracking error offload to telescope mount
- Fiber coupling unit available
ClearStar™ AO Specifications
Optics
| PARAMETER | AO | AO+ | HP |
| Science waveband | 700 – 1000 nm | ||
| Wavefront sensor type | Shack-Hartmann | ||
| Wavefront sensor subaperture count | 8 x 8 | 10 x 10 | 12 x 12 |
| Wavefront sensing beacon | Natural star | ||
| Beam split to wavefront sensor | Customizable | ||
| Maximum AO correction speed | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 1600 Hz |
| Deformable mirror actuator count | 69 | 97 | 192 |
| Tracking and jitter control | Separate fast steering mirror | ||
| Full-stroke tilt control | ± 0.6 mrad | ± 0.6 mrad | ± 0.4 mrad |
| Acquisition FOV | 1 mrad | 1 mrad | 2 mrad |
| Optical output | f/12, customizable | ||
| Weight | 45 kg | 45 kg | 75 kg |
Electronics
| PARAMETER | AO | AO+ | HP |
| Line power | 110 – 240 V AC 50/60 Hz | ||
| Typical power draw | 80 W | 80 W | 160 W |
| Maximum power draw (all motors running) | 160 W | 160 W | 230 W |
| Weight | 25 kg | 25 kg | 45 kg |