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Adaptive Optics Affords Better View of Space

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M., July 17, 2006 -- Most astronomers would probably say that a good telescope and good weather are necessary to capture a high-quality image of an object in space. But a scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate would say true quality is only achievable with adaptive optics. "You could have a 100-meter (328 feet) mirror on a telescope, but without adaptive optics, you will get the same image resolution as an off-the-shelf 4-inch telescope," said Lt. Col. Dennis Montera, chief of the analysis branch at Starfire Optical Range, a research facility of the lab's Optics...Read full article

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    Published: July 2006
    Glossary
    adaptive optics
    Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effects of atmospheric distortions. The Earth's atmosphere can cause light passing through it to experience distortions, resulting in image blurring and degradation in various optical applications, such as astronomical observations, laser communications, and imaging systems. Adaptive optics systems actively adjust the optical elements in real-time to compensate for these distortions. Key...
    astronomy
    The scientific observation of celestial radiation that has reached the vicinity of Earth, and the interpretation of these observations to determine the characteristics of the extraterrestrial bodies and phenomena that have emitted the radiation.
    telescope
    An afocal optical device made up of lenses or mirrors, usually with a magnification greater than unity, that renders distant objects more distinct, by enlarging their images on the retina.
    adaptive opticsAFRLAir Force Research LaboratoryAOastronomersastronomyBasic SciencedefenseDirected Energy DirectoratemirrorsNews & FeaturesOpticsStarfire Optical Rangetelescope

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