active optics

Without active optics, the construction of 8 metre class telescopes is not possible, nor would telescopes with segmented mirrors be feasible.

The combination of actuators, an image quality detector, and a computer to control the actuators to obtain the best possible image, is called active optics.

One type, called active optics, is designed to compensate for the shifting force of gravity on heavy telescope mirrors as telescopes move on their mountings.

Finally, there is the system of servo-controlled active optics, which uses 264 motors to adjust the mirror, to correct for minute distortions.

These systems give the VST the capability to be autonomous in terms of both guiding (tracking) and active optics control.

In particular, he developed the concept of active optics, which is now the basic principle on which large telescopes are constructed.

Adaptive optics should not be confused with active optics, which works on a longer timescale to correct the primary mirror geometry.

Adaptive and active optics are also being developed for use in glasses to achieve better than 20/20 vision, initially for military applications.

Going from 3.5 meters to 8 meters is a big jump, and this requires a good deal of testing of the active optics.

Webb's steering mirror and active optics will be able to make adjustments to the pointing, so gyroscope performance, while important, is not as critical.