Adaptive optics all the time at the LBTO

The Facility AO systems at the LBT are based around the two Adaptive Secondary Mirrors (ASM) and the Pyramid Wavefront Sensors (PWFS), the latter being recently upgraded as part of the SOUL project in order to provide improved image quality performance and greater faint target sensitivity, at the LUCI and LBTI ports. These represent operational AO Systems with unique challenges for maintaining their optimal operational status. Based on our experience, especially over the last seven years, we present our approach to provide the readiness of the AO systems at all times including routine calibration, monitoring, and maintenance activities necessary to keep their performance at an optimal level. We also address intervention activities to improve the ASMs’ reliability and robustness.