Multiconjugate adaptive optics for the Swedish ELT

The Swedish ELT is intended to be a 50 m telescope with multiconjugate adaptive optics (MACO) integrated directly as a crucial part of the optical design. In this paper we discuss the effects of the distributed atmospheric turbulence with regard to the choice of optimal geometry of the telescope. Originally the basic system was foreseen to be a Gregorian with an adaptive secondary correcting adequately for nearby turbulences in both the infrared and visual regions, but if the performance degradation expected from changing the basic system to a Cassegrain keeping the adaptive secondary could be accepted, the constructional costs would be significantly reduced. In order to clarify this question, a simple analytical model describing the performance employing a single deformable mirror (DM) for adaptive correction has been developed and used for analysis. The quantitative results shown here relates to a wavelength of 2.2 μm and are based on the seven layer atmospheric model for the Cerro Pachon site, which is believed to be a good representative of most good astronomical sites. As a consequence of the analysis no performance degradation is expected from changing the core telescope to a Cassegrain (Ritchey-Chretien). The paper presents the layout and optical performance of the new design.