Adaptive Optics System for the TMT

The adaptive optics system for the Thirty Metre Telescope is very large. Notice the steps in this diagram of the system. At the heart of this system is a small flexible mirror that slightly changes its shape one thousand times a second. The system detects distortion in the incoming light and a very fast computer calculates the changes needed in the shape of the mirror. These changes are then communicated to the system to slightly flex the mirror.