Abstract
The purpose of the Center is best summarized by the abstract in the origininal
proposal to the NSF.
Adaptive optics is a method for removing the blurring of
images caused by changing distortions within optical systems. Turbulence in the
Earth's atmosphere causes blurring of astronomical images. In an analogous manner
internal imperfections and fluids in the eye cause blurring of images striking
the retina. The use of adaptive optics allows groundbased telescopes to see as
clearly as if they were in space, and these techniques, when used to look at the
retina of the human eye, dramatically sharpen images of the retina.
Although adaptive optics was suggested for astronomy in the
1950s, only today are the requisite technologies (optics, computers, lasers) mature
enough for adaptive optics to make an important impact on astronomy and vision
science. Adaptive optics for astronomy on large telescopes promises a spectacular
improvement in resolution, by factors of 10 to 30. Large ground-based telescopes
using adaptive optics can even exceed the performance of the Hubble Space Telescope
and at much lower cost. Adaptive optics for vision science promises to correct
the aberrations of the eye and to provide a powerful tool for understanding the
structure and development of cones and rods in the living human retina. It also
holds the promise of diagnosing tiny retinal defects before they become large
enough to threaten our a person's vision.
Adaptive optics systems require the marriage of several very
advanced technologies--precision optics, wavefront sensors, deformable mirrors,
and lasers--all tied together by high-speed control systems.
The Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO) will concentrate on
astronomical and vision science applications of adaptive optics and will reach
out to other adaptive optics communities to share technologies. It will develop
new instruments optimized for adaptive optics. Examples from astronomy include
"integral-field" spectrographs that take spectra of thousands of tiny contiguous
regions of the sky simultaneously (for studies of distant galaxies and proto-solar-systems),
as well as coronagraphs to image very faint objects close to bright ones (for
studies of black holes in galaxies and planets around nearby stars). Instruments
to be developed for vision science include a confocal scanning laser opthalmoscope,
which achieves high depth resolution as well as lateral resolution. This instrument
will make possible high-resolution 3-D reconstruction of retinal blood vessels
and of optic nerve fibers that carry signals to the brain.
The CfAO will conduct a strong program in science education
and outreach, with significant components in the systemic improvement of education,
diversification of the trained work force, and enhancement of public scientific
literacy.
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