Active Phasing Experiment (APE) for the ELT
The ELT will have a segmented mirror. For the adaptive optics to work properly and correct the blurring introduced by the atmosphere turbulence, the segments have to be aligned as if their were part of a single large mirror, with a nanometer accuracy (1 millionth of a mm). In order to experiment with the challenges of this alignment, the APE system will be installed on the VLT, mimicking a segmented mirror and its issues. On the image, the 61 segment APE mirror is being tested in Garching.
Credit:ESO/H.H.Heyer
About the Image
Id: | elt-ape-1000025 |
Type: | Photographic |
Release date: | 3 December 2009, 23:20 |
Size: | 2236 x 3376 px |
About the Object
Name: | APE |
Type: | Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Instrument |
Category: | Paranal |