Paper 13100-286
Paper 13100-286
Off-axis aberrations correction in liquid mirror telescopes using magnetic liquid deformable mirrors
On demand | Presented live 20 June 2024 
Abstract
Liquid Mirror Telescopes (LMTs) are based on a large objective mirror formed by spinning a reflective liquid around the zenith. LMTs offer numerous advantages but are limited to observations along the zenith only. We present a solution which expands their field of view around the zenith by effectively compensating for the large off-axis aberrations inherent to the LMTs. The rotating liquid mirror is augmented with an adaptive optics system based on a magnetic liquid deformable mirror (DM) which cancels out the large off-axis aberrations. We present the simulation results of a prototype setup comprising a 30 cm rotating liquid mirror used as the primary mirror. The large off -axis aberrations at 25o from the zenith are corrected by a convex secondary mirror and a magnetic liquid DM controlled by an array of dual-layer electromagnetic actuators. We demonstrate the feasibility of expanding the application of the LMTs while retaining their cost-effectiveness as an advantage over conventional telescopes.
Presenter
Azhar Iqbal
Univ. of Toronto (Canada)
Azhar Iqbal received his Ph.D. degree from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto and the MASc degree from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. He has done ground-breaking work in modeling, design, and control of deformable liquid mirrors. He is currently working with the Ontario government as a Program Manager and holds a Research Associate position with the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. His research work focuses on adaptive optics systems and liquid mirrors.
Also in the session