For over four decades there has been continuous progress in adaptive optics technology, theory, and systems development. Recently there also has been an explosion of applications of adaptive optics throughout the fields of communications and medicine in addition to its original uses in astronomy and beam propagation. This volume is a compilation of research and tutorials from a variety of international authors with expertise in theory, engineering, and technology. Eight chapters include discussion of retinal imaging, solar astronomy, wavefront-sensorless adaptive optics systems, liquid crystal wavefront correctors, membrane deformable mirrors, digital adaptive optics, optical vortices, and coupled anisoplanatism.
Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wave front distortions: it aims at correcting the deformations of an incoming wave front by deforming a mirror in order to compensate for the distortion. It is used in astronomical telescopes and laser communication systems to remove the effects of atmospheric distortion, in microscopy, optical fabrication and in retinal imaging systems to reduce optical aberrations. Adaptive optics works by measuring the distortions in a wave front and compensating for them with a device that corrects those errors such as a deformable mirror or a liquid crystal array. Although active optics can ensure that a telescope's main mirror always retains a perfect shape, the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere distorts images obtained at even the best sites in the world for astronomy. Astronomers have turned to a method called adaptive optics. Sophisticated, deformable mirrors controlled by computers can correct in real-time for the distortion caused by the turbulence of the Earth's atmosphere, making the images obtained almost as sharp as those taken in space. Adaptive optics allows the corrected optical system to observe finer details of much fainter astronomical objects than is otherwise possible from the ground. Active and adaptive optics technology has emerged from the laboratory and is being applied to improve the performance of optical imaging and laser systems. In the last few years, development of both systems and components has accelerated. Many new concepts and devices have appeared, among which are high-performance deformable mirrors, new types of wave front sensors, and more sophisticated wave front processing algorithms. Equally important, a better understanding of the system design aspects of adaptive optics has been reached, particularly of the need for optimizing each system according to its application. Current developments in adaptive optics for ground-based astronomy include the use of IR wavelengths, partial wave front compensation using natural guide stars, and the use of laser guide stars to allow all-sky coverage with full compensation at visible wavelengths. The book entitled Adaptive Optics Progress offers the applications of adaptive optics throughout the fields of communication as well as its original usages in astronomy and beam propagation.
For over four decades there has been continuous progress in adaptive optics technology, theory, and systems development. Recently there also has been an explosion of applications of adaptive optics throughout the fields of communications and medicine in addition to its original uses in astronomy and beam propagation. This volume is a compilation of research and tutorials from a variety of international authors with expertise in theory, engineering, and technology. Eight chapters include discussion of retinal imaging, solar astronomy, wavefront-sensorless adaptive optics systems, liquid crystal wavefront correctors, membrane deformable mirrors, digital adaptive optics, optical vortices, and coupled anisoplanatism.
Adaptive optics systems and components have achieved a level of sophistication and simplicity that goes beyond traditional applications in astronomy and the military and into developments in medicine, manufacturing, and communications. This book was written for those interested in the multidisciplinary technology and those who need a broad-brush explanation without wading through thousands of journal articles. It follows the structure of a one-day tutorial taught by the author, including humor and sidebars of historical material.
The blossoming of adaptive optical techniques has brought about a revolution in the field of astronomical observation. Coupled with the new generation of large, ground-based telescopes, it allows us to achieve an unprecendented angular resolution in the analysis of faint astronomical sources at optical wavelengths. This book provides the basic concepts of adaptive optics, discusses the possible instrumental strategies and the state-of-the-art technical achievements of this development and presents the key astrophysical programs which will most benefit from it. Over fifteen well-known experts have contributed to making this volume a comprehensive one, with steady progression as well as full coverage of the various aspects of the field. Students graduating in optical sciences and astrophysics, astronomers, engineers interested in atmospheric turbulence compensation will find this book a reference text on the subject.
Duffner has compiled the history of the most revolutionary breakthrough in astronomy since Galileo pointed his telescope skyward--the technology that will greatly expand our understanding of the universe.
Adaptive optics has progressed from the laboratory and field experiments into surveillance systems, optical testing, medical research, and astronomical observatories around the world. A student, engineer, or scientist needs a single volume that describes all the basic principles, analytical tools, and instrumentation hardware that becomes an adaptive optics system. With hundreds of references, this book provides a road map to the design and performance analysis of adaptive optics wavefront sensors, controls, correcting optics and their integral operation. From the interested person just trying to find the buzzwords of adaptive optics to the experienced engineer looking for the equations that describe atmospheric compensation, Principles of Adaptive Optics will meet the goal.
This handbook supplies analytical tools for the design and development of adaptive optics systems to enhance their ability to adjust for atmospheric turbulence, optical fabrication errors, thermally induced distortions, and laser device aberrations. It provides recommendations for selecting, testing and installing a wavefront compensation system.
