The development of next-generation large segmented mirror telescopes (SMTs) requires comprehensive modeling tools that integrate multiple effects, including optics, detectors, dynamics, thermal influences, and atmospheric disturbances. codeSMT, an in-house tool under development at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, aims to provide a unified framework for designing and modeling SMTs of various scales. As part of this development, my work focuses on incorporating atmospheric turbulence and adaptive optics (AO) correction into codeSMT, specifically modeling the impact of atmospheric turbulence on astronomical observations and correcting it through AO systems, which is essential for improving image quality in ground-based telescopes. My work has been carried out with a focus on the National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT), India’s planned 6-10 meter class telescope to be built in Hanle, Ladakh. The study involves generating atmospheric turbulence phase screens to simulate their effects on the point spread function and implementing AO correction, particularly addressing tip-tilt aberrations. This approach aims to provide design insights and performance prediction of ground-based observatories under design and planning phase.
BGS Office