Extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) systems are optimized for high-contrast imaging and coronagraphy. ExAO systems are currently limited to wavefront sensing using a bright natural guide star (NGS) due to the need for high precision wavefront control. Recent advances in sodium laser guide star (LGS) technology such as high power, efficient laser sources and pre-compensation of the laser uplink overcome previous limitations in LGS technology, opening up the potential for LGS technology to improve ExAO system performance with dim targets. The LAser guide Star Sensor Integrated Extreme adaptive optics (LASSIE) project at the Starfire Optical Range will explore the trade space in beacon size, brightness, coherence, and wavefront sensor design to preform path-finding research on the potential performance of an uplink-corrected LGS-ExAO system. In this presentation we will discuss the current progress of the LASSIE project.
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