Adaptive optics

An estimation of the costs and potential resolution and sensitivity benefits of adaptive optics systems is presented. The effects of atmospheric disturbances on the peak-to-peak wavefront errors are assessed. Definitions are included of the maximum permissible controlled patch of entrance pupil of the system, the permissible response time, the permissible field radius, and the required magnitude and frequency of a reference star. It is pointed out that adaptive optics system for visible of near-visible wavelengths is likely to be very expensive, whereas operation at 2-3 microns under best seeing conditions is expected to be useful and have reasonable cost.