ALL meanings of adaptive optics
a·dap·tive op·tics
A a - noun adaptive optics 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 3
- noun adaptive optics the branch of optics that compensates for image distortions, especially by means of flexible mirrors or membranes. 1
- noun adaptive optics (astronomy, optics) An optical system in telescopes that reduces atmospheric distortion by dynamically measuring and correcting wavefront aberrations in real time, often by using a deformable mirror. 0