Speaker
Description
This study aims to validate the initial performance of the Single Star SCIDAR (SSS) instrument recently deployed at the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco. The primary objectives are twofold: (i) to assess its capability to retrieve real-time vertical profiles of the refractive index structure constant, Cn2(h), up to an altitude of 22 km, and (ii) to establish the reliability of the SSS system for real-time turbulence profiling, thereby confirming its suitability for prospective applications in adaptive optics. The (SSS) retrieves these profiles by analyzing single-star scintillation through a modified power spectrum of atmospheric speckles. An objective function is derived and minimized using the Active-Set optimization algorithm, enabling accurate and real-time reconstruction of Cn2(h) profiles. A total of 34 h of data were collected from August 25 to 29, 2024. The reconstructed profiles and integrated seeing values are in good agreement with independent measurements from the Cyclope seeing monitor, confirming the reliability of the (SSS) system. Beyond site characterization, these results highlight the practical significance of real-time turbulence profile extraction, which allows adaptive-optics systems of next-generation 4 m-class telescopes to be adjusted more effectively to the prevailing atmospheric conditions. In addition, the compact and autonomous design of the (SSS) makes it particularly suitable for deployment at remote observatories with limited infrastructure.
| Stream | Science or Engineering |
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