Abstract

Adaptive optics is one of the main features of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The VLT consists of an array of four 8 meter telescopes arranged in a quadrilateral configuration (see Figure 1). These four telescopes can be operated individually, in a so-called incoherent combined mode (mainly for high resolution spectroscopy), and in a coherently combined mode as a long baseline interferometer to achieve highest spatial resolution in the milliarcsecond range. In order to increase the performance and flexibility in use of the VLT in the interferometric mode, two to four mobile telescopes of the two meter class will be added to the array. Each telescope will be equipped with adaptive optics systems for real-time correction of atmospheric turbulence effects.

© 1992 Optical Society of America