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Science with the LBT:
The Large Binocular Telescope Project: July 2000 Construction Status Report
J. M. Hill, The University of Arizona
Abstract: The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) will have two 8.4 meter diameter primary mirrors phased on a
common mounting with a 22.8 meter interferometric baseline. The second of two borosilicate honeycomb primary mirrors for LBT
is being cast at the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab as this conference takes place. The baseline optical configuration of LBT
includes a pair of adaptive infrared secondaries of a Gregorian design. The F/15 secondaries are undersized to provide a low
thermal background focal plane which is unvignetted over a 4 arcminute diameter field-of-view. The interferometric focus
combining the light from the two 8.4 meter primaries will reimage the two folded Gregorian focal planes to three central
locations. The telescope elevation structure accommodates swing arm spiders which allow rapid interchange of the various
secondary and tertiary mirrors as well as prime focus cameras. Maximum stiffness and minimal thermal disturbance were
important drivers for the design of the telescope in order to provide the best possible images for interferometric
observations. The telescope structure accommodates installation of a vacuum bell jar for aluminizing the primary mirrors
in-situ on the telescope. The telescope structure is presently being fabricated in Italy by Ansaldo Energia S.p.A. in Milan.
After pre-erection in the factory, the telescope will be shipped to Arizona in spring 2001. The enclosure is being built on Mt.
Graham under the auspices of Hart Construction Management Services of Safford, Arizona. The enclosure will be completed by early
2001 and ready for telescope installation in fall 2001.
pp. 3-9
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Atmospheric Tomography with Multiple Lasers
R. Ragazzoni, Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova (Italy)
Abstract:
pp. 13-20
Dynamic Refocus for Rayleigh Beacons
R. Angel, The University of Arizona
Abstract:
pp. 21-25
Adaptive Optics for the Large Binocular Telescope
P. Salinari, Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri (Italy)
Abstract: The Adaptive Optics system of LBT will be based on Adaptive Secondary mirrors and on other components, such as
wavefront sensors and wavefront computers, which are currently under development. I report the status of these developments,
the AO configuration forseen for first light and discuss possible future upgrades and extensions of the first light AO system.........
pp. 27-36
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Extragalactic Astronomy with LUCIFER
I. Appenzeller, Landessternwarte, Heidelberg (Germany)
Abstract: In several important fields of extragalactic astronomy progress will depend critically on new observational data
obtained in the IR spectral range. With their expected high sensitivity, a MOS spectroscopic capability and a releatively large
FOV the LUCIFER instruments at the LBT are expected to provide new and unique opportunities to address these questions. Some
examples of extragalactic observing programs which will become feasible with the LUCIFER instruments are briefly discussed.
pp. 65-69
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LUCIFER - a NIR Spectrograph and Imager for the LBT
H. Mandel, et al. Landessternwarte, Heidelberg (Germany)
Abstract: LUCIFER (LBT NIR-Spectroscopic Utility with Camera and Integral-Field Unit for Extragalactic Research) is a full cryogenic
NIR spectrograph and imager....
pp. 177-186
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General Meeting Links:
Ringberg Conference on "Science with the LBT"