ALTAIR performance and updates at Gemini North

Abstract

We present up-to-date performance characteristics for natural guide star (NGS) operation of the ALTAIR adaptive optics system at the Gemini N. 8m telescope. These results are obtained from a nightly performance monitoring campaign where we obtain a consistent set of point spread functions (PSFs) over a broad range of observing conditions. These results are compared with system modelling and circular buffer information from the Altair adaptive optics (AO) system. The latter show residual tip-tilt errors with a median rms ∼ 18.5 mas. We also present preliminary results from a new operational mode of the laser guide star (LGS) AO which will eventually yield all-sky access with image FWHM ∼ 0.1" -0.2".