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Re: [ATM] AO for the Amateur

Jacob Lauser wrote:

>Also, not to say people aren't trying it from different approaches though: http://voltaire.csun.edu/ao.html
>
If we look at it from the standpoint of Zernike polynomials and mirror 
deformation, would focus be essentially the 0th order term (height) and 
guiding be the 1st order terms (x/y tilt)?

If so, it might be educational to try and understand how adjusting the 
support would affect higher order terms.

[I must say I don't really understand Zernike polynomials that well, but 
would love and education. hint. hint.]

Also, large telescopes with AO have mirrors that often weigh several 
tons requiring hundreds or thousands of $1000 actuators.  Might not a 
more modest mirror (say 30 to 72 inches) made from slumped plate glass 
be manageable with simpler and cheaper actuators at say the normal 27, 
36, 54 or 81 points of support?

Jeff Anderson-Lee

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