Review by Choice Review
One of the most significant research products to emerge from the Department of Defense (DoD) has been the development of adaptive optics systems, now used worldwide by astronomers on their largest telescopes. Initial DoD impetus was to develop and improve the laser power that could be delivered from ground-, air-, and space-based systems to destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, often at standoff distances of hundreds of miles. With significant DARPA and SDIO funding support, Air Force and other military laboratories were in the forefront of research to understand the effects that photons experience as their wave fronts become distorted when they traverse through layers of turbulent atmosphere. "Rubber mirrors" and artificial stars were then developed to help restore those wave fronts in order to negate the effect of the atmosphere. Historian Duffner (Air Force Research Laboratory) presents a chronology of success as the effort, at first highly classified, became useful to the military and to astronomers whose modern telescopes now achieve resolutions that often surpass those of space-based telescopes. He describes especially well the early stages of the closely held successes and declassification that astounded the astronomical community. A fascinating read for physical science practitioners, optical specialists, physicists, and astronomers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. W. E. Howard III formerly, Universities Space Research Association
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
