Magnifying Visors

What problem does adaptive optics correct?

a) defects in the optics of the telescope, such as the original Hubble mirror b) turbulence in the earth's atmosphere which creates twinkling c) the opacity of the earth's atmosphere to some wavelengths of light d) chromatic aberration due to use of only a single lens objective e) the light pollution of urban areas

Public Comments

1. b) adaptive optics corrects for turbulence in the earth's atmosphere. Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effects of rapidly changing optical distortion. It is used in astronomical telescopes and laser communication systems to remove the effects of atmospheric distortion, and in retinal imaging systems to reduce the impact of ocular aberrations. Adaptive optics works by measuring the distortions in a wavefront and compensating for them with a spatial phase modulator such as a deformable mirror or liquid crystal array.