Astronomy Adaptive Optics Astronomy Adaptive Optics

Adaptive Optics

Adaptive optics

Adaptive optics is a method where systems immediately correct the wavefront of incoming light which is disturbed by atmospheric fluctuations. This atmospheric turbulence can move the incoming light (think of stars twinkling) and therefore blur an image on a sensor. Adaptive optics allow astronomers to correct this and obtain the clearest image at the performance limit of the telescope. In order to perform real-time and highly accurate wavefront correction, a camera in this application must have high speed and high resolution. In addition, since the wavefront correction is performed in a very dark state using a laser artificial star, the camera also needs high sensitivity.

Wavefront correction by adaptive optics*

Adaptive optics

Comparison of adaptive optics*

Adaptive optics comparing

*Courtesy of Kodai Yamamoto, Ph.D., Department of Astronomy, Kyoto University

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