@inproceedings{3055dd7d7ac84ee2a2833726209344bc,
title = "Characterization of the Lick adaptive optics point spread function",
abstract = "We have investigated both the temporal and spatial structure of the point spread function (PSF) produced by the Lick Observatory adaptive optics (AO) system using the FastSub readout mode of the IRCAL camera using short-exposure images with exposure times of 22ms at a frame rate of ∼ 20Hz suitable for {"}freezing{"} the compensation under typical K-band observing conditions. These short exposures are a useful diagnostic tool for determining the system performance and permit measurement of the instantaneous Strehl ratio. Data taken from a number of observing runs, spanning over four months, show the underlying morphology of the PSF to be very stable with instantaneous Strehl ratios varying from ∼ 20\%-70\% in NGS mode. Estimates of the instantaneous Strehl distribution have also been obtained from which we have determined the probability density function for the distribution of the instantaneous Strehl ratios.",
keywords = "Adaptive optics, Natural guide stars, Strehl ratio, System performance",
author = "Szymon Gladysz and Christou, \{Julian C.\} and Michael Redfern",
year = "2006",
doi = "10.1117/12.671605",
language = "English",
isbn = "081946337X",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Advances in Adaptive Optics II",
note = "Advances in Adaptive Optics II ; Conference date: 24-05-2006 Through 31-05-2006",
}