Adaptive Optics Education
AO correction is an important element of telescope instrument systems, allowing observers to achieve resolutions very close to a telescope's theoretical diffraction limit. Those interested in instrumentation and observers who employ AO systems when collecting data should have a basic understanding of how AO systems work. Included in these educational pages are definitions of words commonly used when discussing adaptive optics and explanations of important concepts behind AO systems.
Diagram of a Basic AO Light Path