Infrared adaptive optics system for the 6.5 m MMT: system status and prototype results

The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) is now being replaced by a single 6.5 m telescope 1 which will have an integral adaptive optics system optimized for near infrared operation. We illustrate key results obtained with low-order adaptive optics at the MMT and report on progress on the major components of the system for the new telescope. We also give a brief update on the status of the telescope itself. First light for the adaptive system is expected in mid 1999. Keywords: adaptive optics, laser guide stars, atmospheric turbulence, telescopes 1. PREVIOUS WORK After nearly 20 years of sterling service to the astronomical community, the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) has come to the end of its life as a 6-mirror instrument. The old structure has been removed (figure 1), and will be replaced over the next few months by the 6.5 m conversion telescope. During its lifetime, the MMT has proved an excellent testbed for experiments in adaptive wavefront control, providing results that have ..