SHARK-VIS: the extreme-AO optical imager for LBT

Titolo: SHARK-VIS: the extreme-AO optical imager for LBT

Relatori: F. Pedichini e S. Antoniucci

Coordinate: mercoledì 7 giugno, ore 11:00, aula Ovest OACT

Abstract: SHARK-VIS is the visual channel (400-1000 nm) of SHARK, the upcoming extreme-AO instrument for the LBT. The instrument will provide unique high-contrast and high-resolution imaging capabilities in the visible band, with an angular resolution down to 15 mas and with frame rates up to 1kHz. Such performances will be obtained thanks to several technical solutions aimed to optimize the PSF stability and through the use of a high-frame-rate low-noise camera. In the first part of the talk we will present an overview of the instrument concept and design, with a focus on the basic performances and an update of the project status.
The unique features of SHARK-VIS make it the perfect instrument to investigate with unprecedented accuracy several scientific cases at the front line of the astrophysical research, such as identification of accreting planets in star-forming regions, morphology of jets and disks in young stars, study of close binary systems, and characterization of minor bodies of the Solar System. In the second part of the talk, a review of the expected contributions of SHARK-VIS for these scientific cases will be provided, placing particular emphasis on the synergy with the SHARK-NIR and LMIRCAM instruments and on further improvements expected from the implementation of the LBTI AO-system upgrade (SOUL).