Untitled - Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de l'Observatoire de Grenoble

12.1.2 R&D activities
PRIORITIES
Forthcoming deformable mirrors developments in the frame of the FP6 Opticon JRA1. The main goal
is to make technological developments aiming at better performances of micro-mirrors in term of number of
actuators, stroke accuracy and other relevant characteristics for astronomical instrumentation of large telescopes
(including ELTs). A secondary objective is to develop a low-cost product to decrease the total cost of systems
for intermediate size telescopes or special applications (multi-objects FALCON approach or ophthalmological
applications for instance).
This objective should be mainly managed in the frame of the JRA1 network, with possible support coming from
other sources and/or contracts (ANR, RNTS, etc.). But, in view of the potentially complex tasks to achieve,
it is expected that a continuation within the PF7 will be necessary. In this event, LAOG is to be a natural
partner to this future networking phase.
Toward system development With the advent of small and comparatively low-cost deformable mirrors,
producing full AO systems for other applications than the large telescopes only becomes possible. A very useful
application directly related to our interferometric needs is to be found in systems dedicated to auxiliary
telescopes (of large interferometers such as VLTI or CHARA). This requires the development of whole systems
more adapted to this new configuration. We intend to proceed to such system studies and find partners to
help us provide more ready-to-use AO systems, by contributing for instance to the wavefront sensing devices,
the real-time calculators and the related control software. In this context, LAOG could be involved in the
development of a large part of such systems.
12.1.3 Means and methods
Networking Because of the large place that AO is likely going to take in the future TGE, it seems to us
quite essential to increase the expertise in the components, control and system aspects of AO systems in France,
presently mostly present at ONERA. LAOG can participate to this effort by bringing what is most specific to
Grenoble notably in system design capabilities, component development know-how, fruitful connection to local
micro-electronics institutes. This requires to increase our capabilities, mostly absorbed by VLT-PF, to a higher
level than now in order to be able to participate in the nation-wide effort beside the current operations in Paris
and Marseille. This would imply a substantial evolution in dedicated manpower, funding and room access (this
is discussed in part I).
For the same reasons, it is naturally intended to be present in the definition of programmes and tasks for the
FP7, starting in 2009. If we can increase our AO capabilities in Grenoble, our implication could be larger with
more responsibilities taken by the laboratory than presently.
Industrial development Following the development agreements related to the production and selling tasks
of MMD under contract with FLORALIS (a subsidiary of UJF) and Imagine Eyes (see 11.1.3, we intend to
keep this scheme in the near future with a prospect of several MMD produced per year as a start and likely
other productions derived from our other R&D activities.
Manpower The VLT-PF realization will be a limiting factor of our other activities during the next ”quadrennial
contract”. In order to cope with our other projects, especially the R&D ones, the LAOG must get
reinforced in some vital functions in the short term. The needs are three-fold :
- system engineering capabilities with proven project management experience, calling for a high-level specialist
of AO systems ;
- instrumental software development support; - thesis direction capabilities oriented toward AO system concept
and control, calling for a habilitated researcher or research engineer.
Moreover subtantially increasing our global capabilities in AO will require more positions at a senior level and
at least one post-doctoral position during the period.
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