Adaptive Optics - Demonstration Model

The "Adaptive Optics - Demonstration Model" illustrates the basic functionality of adaptive optics. It is a diy project based on

• Raspberry Pi and programming in Python
• image recognition with OpenCV
• 3d printed parts and
• a wooden baseplate

Adaptive optics is a technique used by astronomers to overcome the disturbing influences of the atmosphere. The wavefront of the light passing through the atmosphere gets disturbed by turbulences caused by the exchange of warm and cold air. This effect leads to blurred images. With the invention of adaptive optics astronomers are able to measure the distortion, to adjust a corresponding correction and take pictures as sharp as taken from space.

For more information about the adaptive optics see:
http://www.ctio.noao.edu/~atokovin/tutorial/intro.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_optics
https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/technology/adaptive_optics/

In order to have some interactive demonstration model, I built this project, which I now want to share with you.

If you’re interested in the code I wrote, check my github repository