DAG-TGI: Turbulence generator instrument for DAG (Eastern Anatolia Observatory)

Abstract

DAG (East Anatolia Observatory) Telescope has 4 m mirror with active optics (a0) and adaptive optics (AO) systems. In order to evaluate DAG's focal plane instruments and their installation, calibration and laboratory performance, one must emulate the atmospheric turbulence condition on DAG site. Although atmospheric conditions of the site are gathered from various meteorological and astronomical instruments, a turbulence generator instruments (TGI) is designed and characterized to emulate the similar characteristics. The design of the TGI is based on the forcing of cold air and temperature controllable hot air at adjustable wind speeds within a confined chamber, where the atmospheric turbulence strength is altered. First results of the TGI have been presented in this article for DAG's AO system.