Friday, May 11, 2007
Joint Physics/Math Seminar
Adaptive Optics
Jeffrey L. Vaughn
Senior Scientist
the Optical Sciences Company
Atmospheric turbulence or the "mirage effect" blur and distorts images form optical systems. The ability to correct or compensate for atmospheric turbulence allows optical systems to work at full resolution. For example, the 200" telescope on Mount Palomar has no better resolution than an 8" high quality telescope that a serious amateur astronomer might own. With adaptive optics, the resolution can be increased by 25 times or nearly 3 times the resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope. This technology is currently being used to improve the resolution of ground-based telescopes and is part of the beam control of the Air Force's AirBorne Laser. Future applications include free-space laser communications, imaging through refractive and turbulent media, control of chemical and nuclear reactions, and laser surgery.
Refreshments at 4:00 PM. Seminar begins at 4:10 PM.
Building 8, Room 241
For further information, please call (909) 869-4014
