Abstract

Adaptive optics has evolved over the past twenty years into a discipline where many classic problems of propagation are being overcome with refined engineering. Unfortunately, the number of 8-m telescopes and high power laser projection systems will clearly be limited in the next decade. With the high cost of research and the spectre of limited funds, there is a growing need for new uses for existing adaptive optics technologies and improvement in the techniques that implement conventional concepts. The drive toward more reliable, maintainable, lightweight, low cost systems is more important than the theoretically achievable performance goals.

© 1991 Optical Society of America