<p>I am aware that there are adaptive imaging techniques for amateur astronomers. But these methods correct an image on a screen. This is nice, but to me the real lure of amateur astronomy is the act of seeing an object through the eyepiece, not on some computer screen. Are there any deformable-mirror technologies available for consumer-grade telescopes that would allow for direct viewing of the object with correction?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-29T13:50:45.910Z
This is an interesting question! It would be great if you could mention something more about the methods you are aware of. Is it possible to include a link to an example or cite a source? *Thanks!*
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-29T17:00:09.567Z
As I know instead of deformable mirrors, you may also employ a phase-only sptial light modulator (SLM) to do adaptive optics; However, the speed of such SLMs is limited to the V-sync signal (60 Hz), not to mention the algorihtimic latency. These deformable devices are expensive, usually cost several thousand USDs.
WDC
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-29T23:13:42.113Z
@a_donda are those just for image stabilization (pointing) and/or focus, or can those do higher order wavefront corrections?
uhoh
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-30T14:34:48.033Z
You certainly could - just replace the camera with an eyepiece.  Most, if not all, AO systems use a separate detector to do the wavefront measurements. However, if you're using Lucky Imaging, then there is no "corrected image" until digital images are processed.     There is certainly a cost consideration, tho'
Carl Witthoft
<amateur-observing><adaptive-optics>
Deformable optics for consumer telescopes
ngc1300
# Deformable optics for consumer telescopes

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-07-29)

I am aware that there are adaptive imaging techniques for amateur astronomers. But these methods correct an image on a screen. This is nice, but to me the real lure of amateur astronomy is the act of seeing an object through the eyepiece, not on some computer screen. Are there any deformable-mirror technologies available for consumer-grade telescopes that would allow for direct viewing of the object with correction?

**Tags:** amateur-observing, adaptive-optics

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: This is an interesting question! It would be great if you could mention something more about the methods you are aware of. Is it possible to include a link to an example or cite a source? *Thanks!*  
> **username_2**: As I know instead of deformable mirrors, you may also employ a phase-only sptial light modulator (SLM) to do adaptive optics; However, the speed of such SLMs is limited to the V-sync signal (60 Hz), not to mention the algorihtimic latency. These deformable devices are expensive, usually cost several thousand USDs.  
> **username_1**: @a_donda are those just for image stabilization (pointing) and/or focus, or can those do higher order wavefront corrections?  
> **username_3**: You certainly could - just replace the camera with an eyepiece.  Most, if not all, AO systems use a separate detector to do the wavefront measurements. However, if you're using Lucky Imaging, then there is no "corrected image" until digital images are processed.     There is certainly a cost consideration, tho'  

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## 0 answers

