adaptive optics

American  

noun

1. the branch of optics that compensates for image distortions, especially by means of flexible mirrors or membranes.

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adaptive optics British  

noun

1. a technique used to increase the resolution of a ground-based astronomical telescope by counteracting the effects of the atmosphere on the image. A deforming mirror in the light path of the telescope maintains a pointlike image of the celestial body using either a real star or a laser beam as a reference

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Example Sentences

Dr Elise Vernet is an adaptive optics specialist at ESO and has been overseeing development of the five giant mirrors that will gather and channel light to the telescope’s measuring equipment.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2024

In 2023, it was installed, together with its complementary near-infrared instrument SHARK-NIR, at the LBT to fully take advantage of the telescope's outstanding adaptive optics system.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

With an optical bench, the researchers use technology originally developed for astronomy, such as adaptive optics mirrors and spatial light modulators, to manipulate the optics of the eye as an intraocular lens would.

From Science Daily • Sep. 21, 2023

Today we could just switch on an adaptive optics system—now standard equipment that counteracts the shimmering of Earth's atmosphere.

From Scientific American • Aug. 18, 2023

With adaptive optics, ground-based telescopes can achieve resolutions of 0.1 arcsecond or a little better in the infrared region of the spectrum.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016