Static and quasi-static aberrations represent a great limit for high contrast imaging in large telescopes. Among them the most important ones are all the aberrations not corrected by Adaptive Optics (AO) system, called Non-Common Path Aberrations (NCPA).
An estimate of the NCPA can be obtained by a trial-and-error approach or by more sophisticated techniques of focal plane wavefront...
Astronomical space missions require stable and fast target pointing to
achieve their science objectives. To obtain high pointing stability, a Fine Guidance System (FGS) mechanism is used to provide fine pointing control.
We developed a proof of concept FGS using piezoelectric actuators.
Such a system allows for an FGS exhibiting stable pointing and fast, reliable operation.
An optical...
Active/adaptive optics is considered a key technology for future large aperture space telescopes. The sensing and active correction of the telescope optics allows reducing tolerances, risks and costs, while meeting the wavefront requirements for high contrast.
At INAF, the expertise matured during the development and testing of large format adaptive mirrors (e.g. LBT, VLT, M4) has been...
