Abstract

It is now widely believed that adaptive optics will markedly impact the performance of optical telescopes. However, with few exceptions, astronomers have not invested great effort in adaptive optics. Of the many 2-4 meter class telescopes in the world, none has been systematically retrofitted with adaptive optics for astronomical research. At present, 8 telescopes in the 8-10 meter class are funded and under construction. None yet has a detailed implementation plan for adaptive optics, and only one observatory is close to such a plan.

© 1992 Optical Society of America