Inexpensive 'adaptive optics' achieved by Sandia's optical clamp

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Jens Schwarz adjusts his groups newly patented Sandia optical tool that precorrects for laser distortions. (Photo by Randy Montoya)
Jens Schwarz adjusts his group’s newly patented Sandia optical tool that precorrects for laser distortions. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

The ingenious system called adaptive optics, known for its computer control of subdivided, individually angled mirrors, is an efficient but expensive way to correct distortions in laser beams. The mirrors automatically adjust until an undistorted beam is obtained in a way formerly thought unachievable by a single large mirror.


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