|
The CHARA array at Mt Wilson, California, is the worldтАЩs highest angular resolution instrument, able to image the surface of stars and measure angular diameters down to about 200 micro-arcseconds. With six simultaneous telescopes, ~300 optical elements, dozens of active servo loops and ~500 actuators, the system is already arguably the most complex optical or infrared telescope system in the world. It is capable of full remote operation, and runs with a staff of approximately 10 people and a publication rate of approximately 14 papers/year (including several in Science and Nature). Despite the success of CHARA, the future of the facility depends critically on improved sensitivity and precision. I will describe the adaptive optics upgrade currently underway, which includes a feed forward component where the wavefront sensor is located 200m upstream of the deformable mirror in the optical train. I will conclude with the kinds of science that these upgrades will enable, focusing on young stars and exoplanets. |
|