We have designed the Adaptive Optics Telemetry (AOT) data exchange format, as a standard for sharing Adaptive Optics (AO) telemetry obtained from VIS/NIR ground-based observatories. AOT builds upon the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS), serving as a packaging step prior to sharing telemetry data (after the real-time dumping of instrument data), with the goal of providing an unambiguous and consistent access to data regardless of data source.

AOT supports diverse systems and configurations (such as different VLT/ELT-class telescopes, natural/laser guide star strategies, wavefront sensing/correcting device types) and provides flexibility in the level of detail of the data to be shared. The format was designed with two key use-cases in mind: atmospheric turbulence parameter estimation and point-spread function reconstruction, for which we provide demonstrations with real-world data (PAPYRUS@OHM and NAOMI/ERIS@VLT).

We have released the first version of the AOT specification, where we define the structure of AOT files, including detailed specifications for data fields, descriptions, data types, units, and expected dimensions. To support this format, we have made available a Python package that enables seamless data conversion, reading, writing, and exploration of AOT files. We demonstrate the flexibility of the AOT format by packaging data from five different systems, including ESO's VLT systems.

This demonstration data has been made publicly available at the ESO Archive.

Tiago Gomes, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto