This volume contains papers from the proceedings of the conference on Adaptive Optics for Astronomy. Divided into three main parts, topics covered include: the problematics of adaptive optics; critical components and systems; and astrophysics with adaptive optics.

The blossoming of adaptive optical techniques has brought about a revolution in the field of astronomical observation. Coupled with the new generation of large, ground-based telescopes, it allows us to achieve an unprecendented angular resolution in the analysis of faint astronomical sources at optical wavelengths. This book provides the basic concepts of adaptive optics, discusses the possible instrumental strategies and the state-of-the-art technical achievements of this development and presents the key astrophysical programs which will most benefit from it. Over fifteen well-known experts have contributed to making this volume a comprehensive one, with steady progression as well as full coverage of the various aspects of the field. Students graduating in optical sciences and astrophysics, astronomers, engineers interested in atmospheric turbulence compensation will find this book a reference text on the subject.

Part 1 The Problematics of Adaptive Optics: Introduction to Wave Optics
C.A. Haniff. Atmospheric Turbulence Optical Effects - Understanding the Adaptive Optics Implications
D.L. Fried. Atmospheric Adaptive Optics Applications
V.P. Lukin. Modelling Atmospheric Turbulence Effects on Ground-Based Telescope Systems
L.W. Bradford, S.M. Flatte, C.E. Max. Servo-Loop Analysis for Adaptive Optics
M. Demerle, P.Y. Madec, G. Rousset. The Problematics of Adaptive Optics Design
F. Roddier. Part 2 Critical Components and Systems: Wavefront Sensing
G. Rousset. Optimization of Wavefront Sensors for the Highest Accuracy and Sensitivity
J.R.P. Angel. Deformable Mirrors
E.N. Ribak. Astronomical Reference Sources
F. Rigaut. Sodium-Layer Laser Guide Stars
H.W. Friedman. Synthetic Beacons for Atmospheric Compensation
D.P. Greenwood, R.R. Parenti. Sodium Beacon Used for Adaptive Optics on the Multiple Mirror Telescope
B.J. Carter, et al. Evaluating the Performance of Adaptive Optical Telescopes
B.M. Welsh, M.C. Roggemann. Integrated Adaptive Optics Systems
E.H. Richardson. Stray Radiation Issues in Astronomical Systems with Adaptive Optics
S.M. Pompea. Active Compensation of Global Wavefront Tilts
E. Ballesteros, et al. Part 3 Astrophysics with Adaptive Optics: The Impact of Adaptive Optics on Focal Plane Instrumentation
S.T. Ridgway. Prospects for Alternative Approaches to Adaptive Optics
A.H. Greenaway. Adaptive Optics for Long Baseline Optical Interferometry
J.-M. Mariotti. Astrophysics with Adaptive Optics - Results and Challenges
P. Lena.