Workshop on Adaptive Optics-Assisted Integral-Field
Spectroscopy
Integral-field
spectroscopy and adaptive optics (AO) techniques are coming of age. A number
of integral-field spectrographs are in operation around the world, and AO
instruments are proliferating and becoming a standard feature of in particular
the largest ground-based telescopes. The combination of integral- field spectrographs
and AO is still a relatively unexplored area where the potential benefits
for astronomy are huge. For that reason, a number of projects are under way
that will take advantage of the most recent technological developments in
these areas.
The advent of a new facility instrument at the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope,
the OASIS Integral Field Spectrograph, working in conjunction with the NAOMI
Adaptive Optics system has prompted this initiative for holding a workshop
covering this area. Moreover, a laser guide star facility is currently under
development, which will open up nearly the full sky to AO exploitation. This
implies a huge new potential for AO assisted spectroscopy to be carried out
on large samples of objects, as there no longer will be the restriction of
having to have a nearby bright guide star.
The workshop will focus on the scientific achievements and prospects for
AO-assisted integral-field spectroscopy, promoting discussion and sharing
of experiences and ideas. The outcome could inspire new collaborations and
ideas for observing programmes, while at the same time it would provide the
observatory with scientifically inspired advice on how to maximally exploit
the exciting possibilities of AO at the Willam Herschel Telescope.
The workshop will be held from 9–11 May 2005 in Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa
at Los Cancajos, La Palma. For further details see the workshop web pages
at:
http://www.ing.iac.es/conferences/aoworkshop/.
¤
Email contact: René
Rutten (
rgmr@ing.iac.es)
