Issue EAS Publications Series Volume 8, 2003 Astronomy with High Contrast Imaging Page(s) 193 - 199 DOI 10.1051/eas:2003061

Astronomy with High Contrast Imaging
C. Aime and R. Soummer (eds)
EAS Publications Series, Vol. 8, 2003
DOI: 10.1051/eas:2003061

"Planet Finder" on the VLT: context, goals and critical specifications for adaptive optics

D. Mouillet¹, T. Fusco², A.-M. Lagrange³ and J.-L. Beuzit<sup>3

1</sup>  Laboratoire d'Astrophysique, Observatoire Midi-Pyénées, France
²  DOTA, Office National d'Études et Recherches Aérospatiales, France
³  Laboratoire d'Astrophysique, Observatoire de Grenoble, France

Abstract
ESO offers the opportunity to install a new (second generation) instrumentation on 8-m telescopes before 2010, for a wide community. We, as a consortium, argue that it is possible to develop a high contrast imager that will improve significantly or will complement current and forthcoming instruments. This project would benefit a interesting number of astrophysical issues; it will also prepare later more ambitious ground-based imagers or space-based high contrast instruments. The limitations of the turbulence are severe and demand very performant adaptive optics. This critical question is addressed specifically.

© EAS, EDP Sciences 2003

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