Development of a laser projection system for the ELT

TNO, in close cooperation with Demcon, has designed the Laser Projection Subsystem (LPS) for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The ELT LPS will consist of up to 8 laser projection subunits. The design is based on the Four Laser Guide Star Facility (4LGSF), built for the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) (5). The VLT AO system has been operational on the VLT UT4 in Paranal since early 2016. The system has demonstrated excellent performance and high reliability. The ELT LPS consist of a Baseplate with Beam Conditioning and Diagnostics System (BCDS), Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) and Cover Assembly. Control and driver electronics are mounted in a separate cabinet. TNO is responsible for the system design & verification and OTA. Demcon has designed the BCDS and Control Electronics. West End is building the Baseplate and Cover Assembly.