A dedication and celebration of the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics, a new facility for developing innovative instrumentation for adaptive optics applications in astronomy, will take place on Tuesday, May 17, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Thimann Courtyard, UC Santa Cruz
Who: Speakers at the dedication will include the following:
Denice D. Denton, UCSC Chancellor
Joseph S. Miller, Director, UC Observatories/Lick Observatory
Claire E. Max, Director, Center for Adaptive Optics
Details: Established with $9.1 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics (LAO) develops innovative instrumentation to apply adaptive optics technology in astronomy. Adaptive optics sharpens the vision of ground-based telescopes by removing the blurring effects of turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere. The LAO will develop and test prototypes, strengthening UCSC's position as an astronomy powerhouse.
The LAO is administered by UC Observatories/Lick Observatory, which already oversees world-class technical facilities for astronomical instrumentation at UCSC, including an optical lab and shops, an engineering lab, and an advanced detector lab. The LAO complements the Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO), headquartered at UCSC and established in 1999 by the National Science Foundation. The CfAO focuses on the advancement of adaptive optics technology in astronomy and vision science.
