Using adaptive optics to probe the dynamics and star formation in active galactic nuclei

Richard I. Davies; Linda Tacconi; Reinhard Genzel; Thomas Ott; Sebastian Rabien

doi:10.1117/12.568135

25 October 2004 Using adaptive optics to probe the dynamics and star formation in active galactic nuclei

Richard I. Davies, Linda Tacconi, Reinhard Genzel, Thomas Ott, Sebastian Rabien

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.568135
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

Using adaptive optics on the Keck Telescope and the VLT, we are able to probe the dynamics and star formation in Seyfert and QSO nuclei on spatial scales better than 0.1" in the H- and K-bands. Such spectroscopic data are essential for studying the link between AGN and star formation, understanding how gas is driven into the nucleus, and measuring the black hole mass. In this contribution we present some of our recent results, and consider what an astronomer needs from an adaptive optics system for extragalactic work, as well as what is realistic to expect. We discuss why deconvolution is not appropriate in this context; and examine the scientifically more useful alternative of convolving a model with an estimate of the PSF, describing what level of detail and reliability can actually be achieved in the various methods of measuring the PSF.

Citation Download Citation

Richard I. Davies, Linda Tacconi, Reinhard Genzel, Thomas Ott, and Sebastian Rabien "Using adaptive optics to probe the dynamics and star formation in active galactic nuclei", Proc. SPIE 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics, (25 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.568135

Access the abstract

PROCEEDINGS
10 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

CITATIONS

Cited by 4 scholarly publications.

Explore citations on Lens.org

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Stars

Point spread functions

Adaptive optics

Galactic astronomy

K band

Absorption

Carbon monoxide

Show All Keywords

RELATED CONTENT

Performance updates of HAWK I and preparation for the commissioning...
Proceedings of SPIE (August 03 2016)

High angular observations of active galactic nuclei using PUEO, the...
Proceedings of SPIE (September 11 1998)

Observing the Seyfert 2 nucleus of NGC 1068 with the...
Proceedings of SPIE (October 20 2004)

LGS AO science impact: present and future perspectives
Proceedings of SPIE (July 16 2008)

Weighing black holes using open loop focus corrections for LGS...
Proceedings of SPIE (July 28 2010)

ELTs, adaptive optics, and wavelengths
Proceedings of SPIE (April 22 2008)

Observations of faint galaxies with adaptive optics
Proceedings of SPIE (February 13 2003)

Subscribe to Digital Library

Receive Erratum Email Alert

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years